Crossing with confidence: safety boost for busy intersection
A $6.7 million overhaul of the busy Lincoln Highway and McBryde Terrace intersection is complete, boosting regional road safety and supporting smoother journeys through Whyalla. New bicycle and pedestrian-actuated (push-button) crossings at each corner of the intersection have made it safer and more convenient to cross the road. Pedestrians and cyclists are also seeing the benefits of greater connectivity along existing pathways, which have been realigned with the new crosswalks, further enhancing community access to the nearby Wilson Park, streets and homes.
Four median islands have also been improved, providing extra protection for vulnerable road users. Visibility at the intersection has been boosted with new road lighting, while a new road surface delivers more reliable journeys. Line marking, landscaping and irrigation has also been completed.
The intersection is a key link between the city’s industrial area and the Eyre Peninsula tourism and freight corridor, with approximately 7,000 vehicles, including more than 300 trucks, on average travelling through the intersection each day. From 2020 to 2024, there was one serious injury crash to a cyclist at the intersection. This intersection upgrade was partially funded under a $168 million investment in South Australia as part of the Road Safety Program, a joint initiative of the Australian and South Australian governments over three years.
Australian company Downer delivered the project, which supported 25 full-time jobs during the construction period. Quotes attributable to Federal Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories, Kristy McBain MP: “Safety on our roads is our number one priority, that’s why the Albanese Government has invested in improving the safety and reliability of this busy intersection in Whyalla.
“Our road network provides facilities for everyone to connect, and these works have provided the much-needed crossing facilities for pedestrians and cyclists to safely cross the road. “With thousands of vehicles travelling along this key corridor each day, these upgrades will improve safety, support economic growth and reduce the risk of crashes causing death or serious injuries.” Quotes attributable to SA Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Joe Szakacs MP: “This intersection upgrade delivers a vital road safety boost for vulnerable road users who now have dedicated crossing points at this busy gateway into Whyalla.
“Whether you walk, ride or drive, safe crossings help keep everyone securely on the move, reducing lives lost and serious injuries on our roads. “Through the Road Safety Program, we continue to deliver vital improvements on some of our busiest regional roads to reduce crash risk and severity while supporting healthy travel options.” Quotes attributable to Senator for South Australia, Karen Grogan: “For many visitors, this intersection is their first impression of Whyalla.
These upgrades ensure that a key gateway to the city is safer and more accessible. “It’s great to see this important project now complete, delivering safer journeys and better connections for residents, visitors and freight.”