North Coast Road, Point Turton, will finally be upgraded after years of advocacy from Yorke Peninsula Council and local residents.

Council has received $1,141,000 through Special Local Roads Program’s Supplementary Local Road Funding for Stage One of the upgrade.

North Coast Road is about 11 kilometres long, and is a major link between tourist destinations.

It is Council’s highest trafficked unsealed road, with about 500 vehicles travelling the stretch per day and an average of 1000 per day during peak times.

The works will be completed in three stages, subject to future grant funding and Council endorsement, with Stage One to include sealing the first 1.82km of North Coast Road.

The total cost of Stage One is estimated to be $1,711,500, with Council contributing $570,000 towards the project.

“North Coast Road is a popular tourist route and major link between tourist destinations, providing spectacular views of the coastline, as well as access to popular campgrounds and beaches,” CEO Andrew Cameron said.

“Importantly, the road also passes about 150 residential properties divided into four built-up areas.

“Due to increasing road use and the fact the road is unsealed, tourists and residents along the route have complained about the road’s deteriorating condition for many years.”

Council has fought to have North Coast Road upgraded for years, Mr Cameron said.

“Council is pleased the State Government has finally recognised the upgrade of North Coast Road as a high priority under the Special Local Roads Program,” he said.

“This project will enhance road safety, improve the road standard, reduce the dust nuisance and impact on residents, improve access to a popular tourist destination, and improve the driving experience for locals and visitors.

“Council welcomes the investment from the State Government and looks forward to working with them on further stages of the project.”

Stage Two is expected to include a similar seal length as Stage One and Stage Three won’t include sealing but will create a better surface for the remainder of the road.