Image: SA Infrastructure and Transport
Drivers using the South Eastern Freeway will soon see speed limits return to normal, with repair works locked in for crash-damaged safety barriers near the Crafers exit.
Night works will begin this Sunday, 10 May, and continue through until Thursday, 14 May, following a truck crash on the Freeway last month. The works are expected to allow current speed restrictions in the area to be lifted by the end of next week.
The Freeway will remain open while crews carry out the repairs, however commuters are being asked to allow extra care at night, slow down through the work zone, follow traffic controllers and observe all signage.
Works will take place each night between 7pm and 6am, with lane and speed restrictions in place during those hours. While crews are on site, speed limits will be reduced to 40km/h. During the day, limits will increase to 60km/h until the permanent repairs are completed.
Temporary repairs were carried out immediately after the April crash, allowing speed limits around the Crafers exit to be safely lifted from 40km/h to 80km/h during the interim period.
Once the upcoming works are finished, speed limits in the area are expected to return to their regular limits, which are 90km/h on the down track and 100km/h on the up track.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Joe Szakacs said the upcoming works should bring relief for regular Freeway users.
“Works will commence over the weekend to fix the damaged safety barrier, which should see speeds returned to 100km/h by the end of next week.
“I thank commuters for their patience while this permanent fix was being worked towards and congratulate the workers who have toiled day and night to limit disruption.
“Works for our $200 million Managed Motorways project are set to commence later this year.
“Managed Motorways will deliver better outcomes for Freeway users, with improved signage and contraflow options.”
The repair works come ahead of the broader $200 million Managed Motorway project between Crafers and Glen Osmond, which is set to begin in late 2026.
Co-funded by the Australian and South Australian governments, the major project will include improved signage and moveable centre barriers, allowing for contraflow arrangements when needed.
It follows the $150 million Heysen Tunnels upgrade, which was completed in 2024, and the earlier implementation of a managed motorway between Crafers and Stirling.
For more information on South Australian road works, visit https://dit.sa.gov.au/infrastructure/projects
