The residents of Magdala, Hamley Bridge, Templers, Wasleys, Stockport, Owen, Balaklava & surrounding areas have reported unsafe driving conditions on the Owen Road between Templers and Hamley Bridge on several occasions. Large pot holes & deteriorated shoulders that have developed due to significant use of the road by heavy vehicles have been patch repaired by the Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) time and time again however these temporary repairs are not suitable nor are they cost effective as they are ruined almost immediately when another heavy vehicle utilises the road. With one particular pot hole spanning across an entire lane causing a significant safety concern.

This is a main arterial highway with a 100kmh speed limit that connects the Mid-North to Gawler and the Northern suburbs, not an underutilised suburban street! Traffic counts have been utilised in the past however no suitable upgrades have occurred.

The Federal Government has provided funding through the ‘Roads to Recovery’ program however this stretch of road has not been upgraded even though it is a recurring problem every year. Instead, precious funds have been utilised to upgrade street lighting at the intersection of Owen Rd & Horrocks Hwy at Templers – how was this considered a priority over repairing the unsafe road surface?

There is a similar issue on Horrocks Hwy between Stockport Rd & Smith Rd at Morn Hill where extreme undulation is an issue (causing trucks to lose their loads), now the road surface is deteriorating beyond repair and attempts to patch the potholes are also inadequate. The ‘Horrocks Hwy Upgrade’ has been designated as part of the ‘Roads to Recovery’ program however it appears that this stretch of road has not been earmarked as a priority for any surface repairs.

As stated above, this a major recurring issue that has not received appropriate attention! There has been minimal attempts to warn motorists of the issue by placing a couple of witches hats alongside the affected areas, this is not sufficient notification of an upcoming hazard. Many vehicles have approached unknowingly & either driven over or had to swerve onto the gravel shoulder… This is an accident waiting to happen, when will these roads be repaired appropriately taking into consideration seasonal use & local conditions?

This petition will be forwarded to Corey Wingard MP (Minister for Infrastructure and Transport), Stephen Knoll MP (State member for Schubert), the Department for Infrastructure & Transport (DIT), the Horrocks Highway Upgrade Project Team and Light Regional Council. Should no suitable action be taken, the issue will also be raised with the Ombudsman – enough is enough, we need to stand together & ensure that our safety is put first, please circulate this petition to all concerned local residents.