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Highways

Although most of the major highways of the State had been constructed and re-constructed since the middle of the 20th century, the completion of sealing these major arterial roads was always a celebration.

Openings

The official opening of the Barrier Highway by the Minister of Roads and Transport, Mr Murray Hill, MLC, took place on 7 November 1968. The ceremony marked the completion of bituminous sealing for 320 miles (515 km) between Adelaide and Broken Hill, and the last stretch of road completed between Terowie and Cockburn. The roadwork had commenced in 1961 and included 19 bridges. Commissioners of all six State Road Authorities including the South Australian Highways Commissioner, John Yeates, attended the opening ceremony. At Yunta a two tonne stone with a bronze plaque commemorates the opening of the Barrier Highway.

Duke’s Highway was opened on 4 February 1987. It had cost $40 million over a nine-year program that had been troubled at times. Sections were contracted to private operators and for the first time the Highways Department tendered for a contract in competition with private contractors. The Department completed the last 4.7 kms, comprising the Bordertown bypass, within budget and ahead of time.

Work started on the Stuart Highway in 1978. The conditions along the series of tracks that led from Port Augusta to the Northern Territory border were so severe that work could only done between April and October each year. Survey work took five years. Conditions for the road gangs were of concern and small towns sprang up which enabled families to live together. Aboriginal advisers were consulted on where the road could cross their lands. Finally the Federal Minister for Transport Peter Morris opened the Stuart Highway on 24 March 1987. Three plaques were unveiled on a rock to commemorate the completion of the Highway.

The completion of the Eyre Highway was celebrated on 29 September 1976 at Wigunda, 172 km east of Eucla on the Nullarbor. Two years later the Flinders Highway was opened by the Minister for Transport Mr G.T. Virgo celebrating the completion of sealing between Talia and Streaky Bay.

Taken from, Nicol, Stuart, Bullock Tracks and Bitumen (Royal Automobile Association of South Australia (Inc), Australia, 1978).

South Australian Minister for Transport, Mr Geoff Virgo and Highways Commissioner, Keith Johinke at the opening of the Eyre Highway in 1976.

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