Major works are now underway between Mount Hopeless and The Dog Fence as the $215 million Strzelecki Track Upgrade and Sealing Project approaches its halfway point.
The start of pavement rehabilitation and sealing works on this 67-kilometre section of the Strzelecki Track marks the next stage in strengthening one of South Australia’s most important freight, pastoral and tourism corridors.
To date, a total of 225 kilometres of the 472-kilometre track has been sealed under the project, which will create a continuous sealed road between Lyndhurst and Innamincka, reducing crash risk and delivering more reliable journeys in the far north-east of the state.
Improving this section of the track will enable the road to remain open or be reopened sooner after inclement weather and flood events, connecting remote communities with more resilient and reliable infrastructure.
These latest works include shoulder reconstruction, improvements to existing overtaking lanes, sealing of water crossings and minor floodways, drainage upgrades and road surfacing.
Additionally, pavement marking and the installation of new signage, guideposts and delineators will boost visibility and safety for all road users.
These works are being delivered by South Australian company Ceduna Bulk Hauliers & Earthmoving, which is also undertaking improvements to the 33-kilometre section of track between Art Baker Lookout to Mount Hopeless.
This stage follows the completion of upgrades to floodways along the 27-kilometre section of track from The Dog Fence to Yeralina Creek in July 2026.
Unsealed sections of the road require maintenance grading on a regular basis, with the track subject to bulldust holes and sand drifts during dry periods, and flooding during seasonal rain events.
Between September 2020 to September 2026, there have been 67 weather events that have impacted the track, resulting in closures to all traffic for 248 days and restrictions in place for a further 595 days.
The $215 million Strzelecki Track Upgrade and Sealing Project is jointly funded with $164 million from the Albanese Government and $51 million from the Malinauskas Government.
This project is supporting approximately 225 full-time-equivalent jobs over the construction period. Close to 186,800 construction hours have been completed, with more than 48,269 hours delivered by Aboriginal people.
To safely allow these latest works to be undertaken, speed and lane restrictions will be in place during construction. Road users are encouraged to check local weather conditions, road warnings and closures before travelling and drive to conditions.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
“Sealing the Strzelecki Track is an exciting and ambitious project which will significantly improve flood resilience, safety and freight reliability across South Australia’s far north-east.
“Unsealed roads are often inaccessible during wet weather and flood events, compromising safety and important links between communities.
“As sealing begins on the next section of the Strzelecki Track, this is another major step forward in creating safer, more reliable outback roads in South Australia.”
Quotes attributable to SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Joe Szakacs:
“These works will take the Strzelecki Track Upgrade and Sealing Project past the halfway point, marking a major milestone in sealing this vital 472-kilometre transport link.
“Above-average rainfall last month saw further flooding at a number of locations along the track, with crews working hard to get the road reopened to progress construction and restore access for all road users.
“The Strzelecki Track is a key supply line for major oil and gas facilities, pastoralists and tourists, and this investment in a more dependable outback road network will unlock future regional and economic growth.”
Quotes attributable to Senator for South Australia Karen Grogan:
“Heavy rainfall and floodwaters have caused significant damage to transport and supply chains across regional and outback South Australia.
“The Strzelecki Track is an essential corridor for outback communities and tourism, and these upgrades will improve road safety and network reliability.”
Quotes attributable to State Member for Stuart Geoff Brock:
“These works are greatly welcomed, and I look forward to seeing them get underway.
“Damage caused by recent rains and floodwaters has not only negatively impacted the local economy, but also caused significant concern for those living in the region.
“These works will also allow more tourists to visit the area, benefitting local businesses.”
