The Barrier Highway in South Australia is undergoing significant upgrades aimed at improving safety and the movement of freight. Key junctions at Whyte Yarcowie and Yunta will be enhanced, along with the construction of new rest areas and the upgrading of culverts. This initiative is part of a broader effort to support both regional transport efficiency and road safety.
At the Whyte Yarcowie junction, the intersection of Barrier Highway and Whyte Road will see substantial improvements. Upgrades will include new lighting and safety barriers, as well as reconstruction and widening of the road. These enhancements will facilitate larger heavy vehicles turning onto Whyte Road from the highway. Similarly, the junction at Yunta, where Main Street (Tea Tree Road) intersects with Barrier Highway, will also be reconstructed and widened. This will benefit heavy vehicles traveling to pastoral stations and mining areas near Yunta.
In addition to the junction upgrades, a new rest area will be established at Winnininnie, while an existing area at Bindarrah will receive enhancements. These rest areas will provide drivers with essential facilities, including shelter and picnic tables, encouraging them to take necessary breaks.
The project has secured funding of $1,696,800 through the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative, which is part of the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program. The upgrades to the culverts—two at Winnininnie and one at Bindarrah—will help prevent flooding and road damage, ensuring safe passage for larger vehicles.
Funding for these vital upgrades comes from both the Australian and South Australian governments, contributing $62.5 million to the Barrier Highway Corridor Upgrade and the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program. The Albanese Government has committed $50 million, while the Malinauskas Government has allocated $12.5 million. Preliminary work, including service relocations, has already been completed, with major construction expected to wrap up by mid-2026.
Catherine King, Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government, emphasized the government’s commitment to improving road safety, particularly in regional areas. “Upgrading the Barrier Highway and Whyte Road junction will provide stock carriers an alternative route when transporting sheep from livestock saleyards at Jamestown,” she stated. King added, “The Australian Government is committed to investing in the projects that deliver real benefits to Australians across the country and help people get home safely.”
South Australian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Emily Bourke, highlighted the importance of freight efficiency for sustaining regional economies. “These improvements will not only protect motorists but also help key sectors like agriculture and mining by providing reliable access to important transport corridors,” Bourke remarked. She encouraged drivers to take regular breaks, stating, “Rest areas are crucial when it comes to preventing fatigue-related fatalities and injuries.”
According to Karen Grogan, Federal Senator for South Australia, the junctions on the Barrier Highway see an average of over 730 vehicles daily, with 220 of those being heavy vehicles. She noted that these upgrades build upon previous works funded under the Road Safety Program, which included shoulder widening and safety barrier installations completed in December 2024.
State Member for Stuart, Geoff Brock, expressed gratitude to both governments for their contributions. “These upgrades will greatly improve road safety on the Barrier Highway and will be particularly appreciated by the transport industry and the large number of tourists who frequently use this key highway,” Brock stated.
Overall, these enhancements to the Barrier Highway are expected to provide a substantial boost to both road safety and the efficiency of freight movements in South Australia’s Mid North region.
