Hahndorf residents express anger over latest plan to ease traffic in historic town

Residents of Adelaide Hills have expressed anger over the decision to scrap a heavy vehicle bypass project in Hahndorf.
Highlights:The former Liberal state government proposed a freeway interchange that would have diverted trucks via the Beerenberg Strawberry FarmConsultation is underway on a new proposal to upgrade two existing interchangesResidents say it won't solve the traffic problem in Hahndorf
A bypass and interchange on the southeastern highway had been proposed just east of Hahndorf to reduce the number of large trucks passing through the bustling tourist town, renowned for its German heritage.
Instead, the South Australian government decided last month to upgrade the interchanges at Verdun and Mount Barker.
Robin Hooper has lived in Hahndorf for 20 years and said increased commuter traffic combined with trucks and tourists was an imminent accident.
"It's not the commuters fault - they have to You can't go through here - but there's no other way to get to the highway: they have no choice in the matter", he says.
An artist's impression of improvements to Hahndorf's main street . (Supplied: Department of Infrastructure and Transport)
The Department of Transport and Infrastructure held consultation sessions today and last Tuesday to get feedback on the latest plans.
Jeremy Roberts has lived in Hahndorf for 12 years and said he will continue to fight for a bypass.
"We don't see not this as a final decision", he said.
"W During the consultation, we are told that there is still room for manoeuvre, and we believe this may be the way to go and wiser heads prevail on this subject."
Hahndorf resident Jeremy Roberts is part of a campaign against the latest proposal. (ABC News: Sarah Mullins)
Government happy with plan
Funding for $250 million project, which also includes improvements to Hahndorf's main street and a walking track , was announced in 2020.
Three designs for nine or improved interchanges were launched early last year, but the former liberal state government demanded further consultation on a fourth design developed in conjunction with locals.
This shot would have seen trucks driving through part of the Beerenb...

Agrotech Oct 22, 2022 0 71 Add to Reading List

Hahndorf residents express anger over latest plan to ease traffic in historic town

Residents of Adelaide Hills have expressed anger over the decision to scrap a heavy vehicle bypass project in Hahndorf.

Highlights:The former Liberal state government proposed a freeway interchange that would have diverted trucks via the Beerenberg Strawberry FarmConsultation is underway on a new proposal to upgrade two existing interchangesResidents say it won't solve the traffic problem in Hahndorf

A bypass and interchange on the southeastern highway had been proposed just east of Hahndorf to reduce the number of large trucks passing through the bustling tourist town, renowned for its German heritage.

Instead, the South Australian government decided last month to upgrade the interchanges at Verdun and Mount Barker.

Robin Hooper has lived in Hahndorf for 20 years and said increased commuter traffic combined with trucks and tourists was an imminent accident.

"It's not the commuters fault - they have to You can't go through here - but there's no other way to get to the highway: they have no choice in the matter", he says.

A design of a zebra crossing with trees and cars

The Department of Transport and Infrastructure held consultation sessions today and last Tuesday to get feedback on the latest plans.

Jeremy Roberts has lived in Hahndorf for 12 years and said he will continue to fight for a bypass.

"We don't see not this as a final decision", he said.

"W During the consultation, we are told that there is still room for manoeuvre, and we believe this may be the way to go and wiser heads prevail on this subject."

A man wearing a puffy jacket on a street outside outside

Government happy with plan

Funding for $250 million project, which also includes improvements to Hahndorf's main street and a walking track , was announced in 2020.

Three designs for nine or improved interchanges were launched early last year, but the former liberal state government demanded further consultation on a fourth design developed in conjunction with locals.

This shot would have seen trucks driving through part of the Beerenb...