This week, there will be temporary night closures of the Heysen Tunnels, as a part of the South Eastern Freeway upgrade. These closures are put in place as the South Australian Department of Infrastructure and Transport will be testing safety equipment that has been recently installed as part of the upgrade, which will impact both Adelaide-bound and Crafers-bound traffic.
Testing of the safety equipment includes the tunnels and their approaches, as well as related roadway signage to ensure all systems are operating correctly. Because traffic changes are required, the testing will be done at night to minimise impacts to road users.
On Monday the 18th, Tuesday the 19th and Saturday the 23rd of November the Crafers-bound tunnel will have initial speed and lane restrictions between 7pm and 11pm. Then from 11pm until 6am road users will need to detour using Mount Barker Road (Eagle on the Hill). This will exclude heavy vehicles.
Heavy vehicles will be permitted to use the South Eastern Freeway but will need to wait for the Freeway to reopen after short closures in and around the Heysen Tunnels. Each closure will extend for approximately 15 minutes. All other road users, including emergency services, will need to detour using Mount Barker Road (Eagle on the Hill).
The Adelaide-bound tunnel will also see temporary closures on Wednesday the 20th, Thursday the 21st and Friday the 22nd of November. Initial speed and lane restrictions will be between 7pm and 9pm, and then from 9pm until 6am all road users will need to detour via Mount Barker Road (Eagle on the Hill).
Speed and lane restrictions will also be in place, so it is encouraged to plan ahead and allow extra travel time. Drivers should follow the detour signs and directions of traffic management staff. Temporary electronic signs will be in place to direct road users while the permanent electronic signs are being tested.
For those frequenting public transport along these roads, although delays might occur there will be no changes to these services.
In the event of a bushfire, other emergency, or on catastrophic fire days, all lanes will be open in both tunnels and posted speed limits will be reinstated for both carriageways
Safety ramps are available on Mount Barker Road (Eagle on the Hill) and the South Eastern Freeway (safety ramp between Heysen Tunnels and Tollgate).
For more information about the closures, click here.
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