From the Outback to the Limestone Coast, big upgrades are rolling out in 2026. Here’s what’s changing on regional roads across the state.
Live in South Australia’s regions? Or planning a road trip this year? Whether you’re heading to the Flinders, Yorkes, or the Murray, it’s worth knowing what’s happening – because 2026 will be a big year for road upgrades across country SA.
From freight corridors and coastal highways to outback tracks and town-centre fixes, major works are underway across the state.
Some are decades-long freight upgrades, others are targeted safety fixes – but they all aim to make regional travel safer, smoother and more reliable, whether you’re heading away for a long weekend or living in a regional town.
Here’s your guide to what’s changing – and what to watch for – on SA’s regional roads in 2026.
Interested in road projects in the Adelaide Hills? See the first story in our series here.
Mid North
1. Augusta Highway freight upgrades: Building a safer route north
If you’ve driven the Augusta Highway lately, you’ve probably noticed the changes. This major freight and commuter route is being upgraded in stages as part of a long-term $500 million freight upgrade program backed by the Australian and South Australian governments.
Some sections are already complete – but plenty more is happening in 2026.
What’s happening?
- Safety barrier upgrades between Lochiel and Collinsfield have been completed
- Junction upgrade at Horrocks Pass Road, near Winninowie
- New overtaking lanes on both sides of the Winninowie junction
- Resurfacing works near Port Augusta have been completed
When?
- Some projects have now been completed, other works are underway now, with further stages to continue through 2026.
How will this help?
- Fewer bottlenecks for freight and regional drivers
- Safer overtaking and smoother traffic flow
- Better connections into Port Augusta and the state’s north and west
More info and updates here.
2. Horrocks Highway: Finishing upgrades across the corridor
The Horrocks Highway is a key link for Mid North towns and regional freight – and while many upgrades have already been delivered, finishing works are continuing into 2026.
What’s happening?
- Final sealing and line marking following drainage upgrades
- Safety improvements near Rhynie and Murray Town
When?
- Finishing works are underway in early 2026
How will this help?
- Safer travel for all road users
- Smoother freight movement
- Better road conditions through the Mid North
More info and updates here.
Yorke Peninsula
3. Wallaroo roads upgrade: New roundabout and resurfacing works
In the Copper Coast township of Wallaroo, a set of local road upgrades has just got underway.
What’s happening?
- Pavement rehabilitation across key roads in Wallaroo
- Construction of a new single-lane roundabout at Irwine Street and Owen Terrace
- Improved pedestrian and cyclist crossings
When?
- Construction starts in February 2026
How will this help?
- Safer streets for locals and visitors
- Improved traffic flow through the town centre
- Better access for people walking, riding or towing
More info and updates here.
South East
4. Southern Ports Highway: Upgrades on the coast
Stretching between Kingston SE and Millicent, the Southern Ports Highway connects freight, farming and tourism along the coast.
What’s happening?
Two 15km sections are being upgraded as part of a safety program funded by the state and federal governments:
- Beachport to Southend Access Road
- Robe to Clay Wells Road
The works include:
- Lane widening and shoulder sealing (the edge section of the road)
- New safety barriers and drainage
- Audio tactile line marking (raised rumble strips that alert drifting drivers)
When?
- Works are underway now and will continue through 2026.
How will this help?
- Safer conditions for local drivers and freight vehicles
- Better access for coastal tourism and transport
- Smoother rides on winding sections of road
More info and updates here.
Riverland and Murraylands
5. Sturt Highway upgrades: Early works across the corridor
The Sturt Highway is a major east–west link between the Riverland and Adelaide – and a staged upgrade program is now in motion.
What’s happening?
- Planning and early works between Renmark and Gawler
- Prep works at key junctions, including Junction Road and Airport Road
- Safety upgrades and resurfacing in targeted sections
When?
- Works are in progress now, with construction stages to roll out in 2026.
How will this help?
- More reliable long-distance trips
- Improved freight safety through the Riverland
- Safer highway junctions and intersections
More info and updates here.
6. Dukes Highway: Rolling upgrades continuing
If you’re travelling between Tailem Bend and Bordertown, you’ll likely notice ongoing works along the Dukes Highway. It’s part of a $500 million freight upgrade funded by the state and federal governments
What’s happening?
- Resurfacing and pavement upgrades
- Junction improvements and rest area works
When?
- Works are underway now, with rolling activity throughout 2026.
How will this help?
- Safer highway driving for cars and trucks
- Smoother surfaces for long-haul travel
- More consistent rest stops and freight facilities
More info and updates here.
Far North
7. Strzelecki Track: Sealing an outback lifeline
The Strzelecki Track connects Lyndhurst to Innamincka – and sealing works are making this key outback route more resilient.
What’s happening?
- Ongoing sealing (laying bitumen over unsealed sections) and road widening
- New drainage infrastructure and safety improvements
- Funded through a $215 million state-federal program
When?
- Flooding in 2025 delayed parts of the project, but works are resuming where conditions allow.
- That means works are underway now, with more to follow through 2026.
How will this help?
- Fewer washouts and wet-weather closures
- Safer travel for 4WDs, trucks and tourists
- More reliable access to outback communities and industry
More info and updates here.
8. Flood recovery: Protecting key highways in the north
Targeted flood-resilience works are underway on key outback routes, after extreme weather caused widespread damage in recent years. The works are being funded through a $75 million program from the state and federal governments.
What’s happening?
Upgrades are being delivered on sections of:
- Eyre Highway (complete)
- Stuart Highway
- Olympic Dam Highway
The works include:
- Road raising to prevent closures
- Drainage upgrades (including roadside pipes)
- Erosion control and slope stabilisation
- Protection for roadside embankments
When?
Works are underway now, with more to follow later in 2026.
How will this help?
- More reliable cross-border travel
- Stronger supply-chain routes
- Better road conditions in flood-prone areas
More info and updates here.
Plan ahead and stay informed
During major works, every effort will be made to minimise impacts, including traffic restrictions. However, it’s likely there will be some lane and speed restrictions in place. If you’re commuting (and your work allows), leaving a little earlier or later can help dodge peak congestion.
Even after projects are complete it is likely there will continue to be speed restrictions in place to allow new road surfaces to develop traction for safe driving.
Stay updated on road closures and detours with:
- Traffic SA – Live updates on closures and delays.
- Department for Infrastructure and Transport – Project details and timelines.
- Google Maps and Waze – Real-time traffic conditions and detour suggestions.
