The Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass project, which aims to alleviate traffic congestion by diverting up to 420,000 trucks annually from major thoroughfares in Adelaide, is once again a focal point of discussion following recent federal budget announcements.

The Australian federal Labor government announced a commitment of $525 million to fund the project over the next ten years, forming part of the first stage of the High Productivity Vehicle Network (HPVN).

The initial phase of the HPVN includes the construction of a bypass around the Truro township, duplicating the Swanport Bridge near Murray Bridge, and implementing various upgrades between Monarto and the Sturt Highway.

Previous funding commitments were made by both federal and state governments, including $202 million allocated for the Truro bypass in 2021. However, this funding was rescinded by the current federal government in 2023, prompting renewed discussions about its significance.

Local sentiments regarding the bypass are mixed.

Business owners and residents in Truro have expressed divergent views on the project.

James Nagel, owner of Sunrise Bakery in Truro, mentioned concerns regarding the impact of a bypass on local businesses, questioning the potential economic consequences for the community while acknowledging the necessity for improved road safety.

Steve Shearer, Executive Officer of the South Australian Road Transport Association, supported the project's goals, emphasizing its importance in alleviating heavy vehicle traffic on busy city roads, such as Portrush Road and Cross Road.

He noted that around 700,000 trucks travel down the freeway each year, with approximately 40 percent originating from the Adelaide Hills, suggesting that the bypass could significantly reduce congestion.

However, Shearer also cautioned that careful planning and execution will be essential to ensure that drivers utilize the bypass rather than continuing through existing routes.

He raised concerns that without the full implementation of the bypass, including completion of designated segments, trucks may still opt for the South Eastern Freeway, thereby rendering the project less effective.

Questions surrounding the funding structure remain unresolved.

During a recent Senate estimates session, department officials indicated that the funding for stage one of the HPVN is likely to follow a 50:50 model between federal and state governments.

Previous plans proposed an 80:20 funding split, but those plans were shelved amid a national infrastructure review, which suggested a more balanced funding approach for new projects.

Federal Member for Barker, Tony Pasin, highlighted the need for clarity on the state government’s commitment to match the federal funding, stressing the importance of securing the necessary resources for full project realization.

Meanwhile, South Australian infrastructure and transport minister Tom Koutsantonis mentioned that the state government is evaluating its funding strategies concurrently with the upcoming budget considerations.

In a show of community support, Vin Dowd, a Waikerie resident who organized a petition advocating for a dual-lane bypass in 2023, noted that the petition garnered over 12,400 signatures, illustrating strong local backing for the initiative.

Dowd expressed optimism that political consensus on the project's necessity would lead to its advancement, irrespective of future electoral outcomes.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King stated that this investment is intended to enhance road safety, bolster freight network resilience, and improve transport connectivity for local communities.

The renewed funding commitment and ongoing discussions around the bypass could shape the infrastructure landscape for the Greater Adelaide region ahead of the impending federal election.