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Where’s SA’s riskiest road?

All the results from RAA’s Risky Roads Survey.

By Jeremy Rochow
Published: Wednesday, February 12, 2020

Despite getting a $3.5 million upgrade, the notorious Blackwood roundabout has claimed the unwanted title as SA’s riskiest intersection in the 2019 RAA Risky Roads Survey.

The intersection, which received the second-most votes in 2017, took the top spot in the 2019 survey, with drivers concerned about the roundabout’s poor layout, confusing signage, line marking and inappropriate speed limit.

Since the 2017 survey was released, the roundabout has been reconstructed, and line markings altered in attempt improve the intersection.

However, Risky Roads Survey respondents were still concerned about the operation of the roundabout.

RAA’s 2019 Risky Roads Survey gave motorists and other road users the opportunity to nominate a road or intersection they believe needs repairs or major upgrades.

More than 1300 people completed the survey this year, with 921 drivers nominating roads and another 422 submitting concerns about intersections.

The Horrocks Hwy was named the riskiest road in 2019 – another location that featured in the 2017 Risky Roads Survey.

Top 10 nominated intersections
IntersectionTop 3 issues raised
1Blackwood roundaboutPoor or confusing layout, confusing signs or line marking, inappropriate speed limit.
2Main South Rd, Tatachilla Rd and Maslin Beach Rd, TatachillaInadequate crossing or turning opportunity, inappropriate speed limit, lacks traffic signals.
3Main North Rd, Port Wakefield Rd and Grand Junction Rd, Gepps CrossPoor or confusing intersection layout, inadequate crossing or turning opportunities, confusing signs or line marking.
4South Eastern Fwy, Portrush Rd, Cross Rd and Glen Osmond Rd, Glen OsmondInadequate crossing or turning opportunities, lack of cycling lanes, inefficient traffic signals.
5Victor Harbor Rd, Seaview Rd and Budgens Rd, McLaren ValeInadequate crossing or turning opportunity, confusing intersection layout, inappropriate speed limit.
6Morphett Rd and Anzac Hwy, Camden ParkInefficient traffic signals, poor sight distance, confusing layout.
7Port Wakefield Rd, Copper Coast Hwy and Augusta Hwy, Port WakefieldPoor or confusing intersection layout, inappropriate speed limit, inadequate crossing or turning opportunity.
8Main North Rd, Fitzroy Tce And Robe Tce, MedindiePoor or confusing intersection layout, confusing signs or line marking, inefficient traffic signals.
9Renmark Ave (Sturt Hwy) and Twentyfirst St, RenmarkInadequate crossing or turning opportunity, lacks traffic signals, poor or confusing intersection layout.
10Cross Rd and Waite Rd, UrrbraeLacks traffic signals, inadequate crossing or turning opportunity, poor or confusing intersection layout.

Survey participants highlighted the uneven road surface, potholes or cracks and crumbling road edges along the Horrocks Hwy.

RAA Senior Manager Safety and infrastructure Charles Mountain said the Horrocks Hwy’s title as the riskiest road in SA highlighted the need for major upgrades along the highway.

“There were 107 casualty crashes resulting in 6 deaths and 156 injuries along the Horrocks Hwy between 2014 and 2018,” Mr Mountain said.

“While the federal and state government have both committed to a combined $55 million towards repairs, the casualty crashes and survey results highlight the need for work to be undertaken as soon as possible.

Horrocks Highway funding
Horrocks Hwy was the most nominated road. Image: RAA

“Some minor repairs have been made since the 2017 Risky Roads Survey, however improvements like surface repairs, shoulder sealing and additional overtaking lanes need to be completed.”

Respondents in the 2019 survey were most concerned about road surface issues along the Horrocks Hwy, with 89% of people mentioning uneven or undulating surfaces.

They also frequently raised issues about crumbling edges, potholes and a lack of overtaking opportunities.

Top 10 nominated roads
RoadTop 3 issues raised
1Horrocks HwyUneven surface, potholes or cracks, crumbling road edges.
2Main South Rd (Aldinga to Sellicks Beach)Uneven surface, potholes or cracks, crumbling road edges.
3Main North Rd (Gepps Cross to Salisbury Heights)Confusing road layout, uneven surface, potholes or crack.
4South Eastern Fwy (Mt Barker to Glen Osmond)Potholes and cracks, uneven surface, lack of overtaking opportunities.
5Owen RdUneven surface, potholes or cracks, crumbling road edges.
6Victor Harbor RdLack of overtaking opportunities, uneven surface, crumbling road edges.
7Upper Yorke Rd (Maitland to Arthurton)Uneven surface, crumbling road edges, potholes or cracks.
8Caddy Rd, LovedayRough or Slippery Surface, potholes or cracks. uneven surface.
9Riddoch HwyLack of overtaking opportunities, uneven surface, crumbling road edges.
10Salisbury Hwy (Port Wakefield Rd to South Rd)Uneven surface, potholes or cracks, rough or slippery surface.

Overall, more than half of survey respondents who raised concerns about roads mentioned issues like potholes, cracks, crumbling road edges and uneven or undulating surface.

People who nominated an intersection cited problems with design, signage, line marking, signals or lighting.

Mr Mountain said understanding the issues with the nominated roads and intersections would help RAA campaign for improvements.

“The fact there were 1,007 casualty crashes resulting in 31 deaths and 1,353 injuries along the 10 riskiest roads between 2014 and 2018 highlights that upgrades and repairs need to be undertaken to reduce the overall level of risk to all road users,” Mr Mountain said.

“RAA will continue advocating for repairs and upgrades to be made to these roads.”

“Some of these roads and intersections are already earmarked for repairs and major upgrades.”

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