South Eastern Freeway Upgrade Works Update - Heysen Tunnels Temporary Traffic Restrictions

Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) will be testing new safety equipment installed as part of the Heysen Tunnels upgrade.

When: Saturday 8 February 2025, weather permitting.

If the testing of the new safety equipment at the Heysen ]Tunnels needs to be postponed, it will be rescheduled for Saturday 15 February 2025. Work hours and detours will remain the same as mentioned in this notice.

Hours of work: 7pm to 6am

Where: South Eastern Freeway, Adelaide-bound and Crafers-bound Heysen Tunnels and approaches

What's happening: DIT recently installed new safety equipment in and on the approaches to the Heysen Tunnels. They are continuing to test the equipment, including related roadway signage, to ensure all systems operate correctly.

You may notice some smoke coming from the tunnels during the testing process. This smoke is non-toxic, and there is no risk to public safety.

How this affects you: To reduce disruptions for drivers, we'll do the testing at night. The traffic changes are as follows:

Adelaide-bound traffic

7pm to 9pm

• Initial speed and lane restrictions for Adelaide-bound traffic.

9pm to 6am

• All road users, including emergency services and heavy vehicles, will detour via Mount Barker Road (Eagle on the Hill).

Crafers-bound traffic

8pm to 9.30pm

• Initial speed and lane restrictions for Crafers-bound traffic.

9.30pm to 6am

• Heavy vehicles can use the South Eastern Freeway but will need to wait for the freeway to reopen after short intermittent closures in the vicinity of the Heysen Tunnels. Each closure will extend for approximately 15 minutes.

• All other road users, including emergency services, will detour via Mount Barker Road (Eagle on the Hill).

Speed and lane restrictions will be in place. Please plan ahead, allow extra travel time and follow the detour signs and direction of traffic management staff. We’ll have temporary electronic signs in place to direct road users when the permanent electronic signs are being tested.

Although delays may occur, there will be no change to public transport services.

Safety ramps are available on Mount Barker Road (Eagle on the Hill) and the South Eastern Freeway (safety ramp between Heysen Tunnels and Tollgate).

In the event of a bushfire, other emergency, or on catastrophic fire days, all lanes will be open in both tunnels and posted speed limits will be reinstated for both carriageways.

More information

Call:1300 794 880

Email: DIT.Engagement@sa.gov.au

Visit: www.dit.sa.gov.au/heysen