A major freight bypass project in South Australia has reignited funding debates, as the state government weighs its financial commitment ahead of the June budget. The proposed $1 billion initiative aims to divert truck traffic away from Adelaide suburbs, easing congestion and improving road safety. However, with no confirmed state funding amount, pressure is building for Premier Peter Malinauskas to secure a better deal from Canberra.
Dylan Anderson
A Long-Discussed Freight Challenge
Each year, around half a million trucks enter Adelaide's metropolitan road network via the South Eastern Freeway. For years, residents and transport bodies have pushed for a solution to ease the burden on key roads like Portrush Road. The concept of a freight bypass has circulated since the late 2000s, and a Truro bypass was identified as a priority by Infrastructure Australia in 2016.
Initial commitments from previous governments gained momentum in 2021, but funding was pulled following a 2023 federal infrastructure review, removing over $200 million from the table.
Election Promises Rekindle Momentum
During the recent federal election, the freight bypass became a central issue for marginal seats such as Boothby and Sturt. Both major parties pledged funding: federal Labor committed to a 50:50 cost share, while the Coalition offered to cover 80 per cent of the total project cost.
The bypass plan now includes a Truro bypass, duplication of the Swanport Bridge, and major upgrades between Monarto and the Sturt Highway. Despite the bipartisan support, it remains unclear how much SA Labor is willing to contribute.
Dylan Anderson
State Budget Looms Large
With the Malinauskas government preparing to deliver its fourth and final budget before the next state election, questions remain unanswered. The premier has welcomed the idea of better-than-even funding splits but has yet to indicate how far the state will go.
Adding to the challenge is the federal government’s current infrastructure funding policy, which mandates a 50:50 split — the same policy that led to the scrapping of the earlier Truro bypass plan.
Public and Political Pressure Builds
Public sentiment in regions affected by freight congestion is clear. In towns like Truro, signs urging action on the bypass are commonplace. Community frustration continues to grow as discussions drag on without clear outcomes.
Meanwhile, Premier Malinauskas has leveraged his national profile for other high-impact projects in the past, including securing the AFL Gather Round for SA and facilitating a rescue package for Whyalla’s steelworks. But this time, the stakes involve negotiating infrastructure funding rules set by his federal counterparts.
Outcome Still Unclear
While SA has recently committed to splitting the cost of other major projects, such as the Main South and Curtis Road upgrades, no similar deal has been announced for the freight bypass.
The government has confirmed that all infrastructure funding arrangements are being considered as part of the current budget process. With bipartisan federal backing and community demand intensifying, all eyes are on the state budget to see whether SA will meet the moment or push Canberra for more.
Dylan Anderson
Dylan Anderson
