Frequently Asked Questions

Traffic can travel on a new road surface but still have a project area under construction.

When a new road opens, speed limits are reduced for a period of time.

The main reason for these short-term changes is safety.

Reduced speed limits are put in place to allow any final work activities to be completed and to ensure the road surface is adequately prepared for higher traffic speeds.

Even after a road has opened to traffic, workers may still need to finish activities such as landscaping, kerbing, line-marking or pouring final asphalt. Reduced speed limits help to alert road users that they are entering a construction zone.

‘Wearing in’ a new road

A bitumen road is made up of layers; a foundation layer that is placed on the ground, followed by base layers, then a waterproofing prime coat layer, and a top layer of asphalt—or wearing course.

Once the wearing course has been laid, a period of lower speed limits is required to ‘wear in’ the new surface.

When roads open, the speed limit often starts at 60km/h, which allows the surface layer to compact and wear down slightly, exposing some of the higher friction layer underneath.

Initial reduced speeds allow the road surface to develop the appropriate traction for safe driving at higher speeds. The road must be tested and reach certain levels of skid resistance before the speed limit can be raised.

Testing the new surface

According to guidelines set by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport, lowered travelling speeds and appropriate signage must remain until the road reaches a certain level of friction and skid resistance—measured in grip units.

This is tested by a special friction tester which is towed at prescribed speeds while its grip and pull on the road is measured.

The road needs to achieve 0.35 grip units, which is the measure deemed safe for moving to a higher speed limit.

Once the road passes the appropriate skid testing, this is reported to the Department for Infrastructure and Transport who determine when the speed limit will be reset.

The Department recognises the Kaurna and Others Native Title Determination for this area, and the Kaurna peoples continuing connection to this land. It is intended that the Main South Road and Victor Harbor Road Duplication Projects will deliver and enhance the social, cultural, environmental and economic benefits to the region. The Department is and will continue to engage with the Aboriginal community, their representative bodies, Community Groups and any Aboriginal people who have an interest in the area. (See Aboriginal Heritage Fact Sheet)

Initial planning has identified that the existing width of the road carriageways does not allow for road duplication and intersection upgrades without requiring vegetation removal. Flora and fauna surveys are underway and will be used to minimise project impacts, and inform detailed design and the development of flora and fauna management measures. (See Vegetation Factsheet)

We will continue to engage with emergency services to ensure necessary and safe access is provided.

Some right turns have been removed to create safer traffic movements and an improved road network. The need to remove some right turn lanes was included as part of the consultation between March and May 2021.

Following community feedback received, right turns from Main South Road into Branson Road and Thomas Road have been reinstated.

The Department completed a Local Area Traffic Management Plan which determined potential alternative solutions. We will continue to engage with the City of Onkaparinga and the community regarding these alternative solutions as the design progresses.

During the consultation between March and May 2021, concerns were commonly raised about the current Port Road roundabout. Comments included that it is a ‘nightmare’ and there are lengthy delays there already.

Traffic modelling and technical analysis demonstrates that a grade separation at Port Road is warranted to maintain road performance and avoid lengthy queuing through both daily and seasonal peaks in traffic. This design solution is also consistent with community feedback received.

The Australian and South Australian governments have committed a total of $685 million to fund the Fleurieu Connections Main South Road and Victor Harbor Road duplication projects. These projects will be delivered by the Fleurieu Connections Alliance.

Between Seaford and Aldinga, Main South Road will be fully duplicated. This will include:

- a grade separation (overpass) at the intersection of Tatachilla Road and Maslin Beach Road;

- a grade separation (underpass) at the intersection of Port Road;

- a grade separation and road alignment at the intersection of Main South Road and Aldinga Road, removing the planned roundabout at Aldinga Road; and

- a Shared Use Path for pedestrians and cyclists along the length of the upgrade with links to Aldinga and the Coast to Vines Rail Trail.

Between Aldinga to Sellicks Beach, full duplication will be delivered, restoring an additional lane for the project. A concept design is currently being developed and will be released to the community later this year.

Victor Harbor Road, between Main South Road and the McLaren Vale turn off, will be duplicated with additional safety treatments along Victor Harbor Road (including an overtaking lane at Hindmarsh Valley).

A planning study is also being undertaken, to investigate the preferred solution for Victor Harbor Road between Main Road, McLaren Vale and Tatachilla Road and to Willunga Hill.

The Australian and South Australian governments have committed a total of $685 million to fund the Fleurieu Connections Main South Road and Victor Harbor Road duplication projects. These projects will be delivered by the Fleurieu Connections Alliance.