Major SA Highways Given Lowest Possible Safety Rating by Australian Road Assessment Program

Major South Australian highways received the lowest possible safety rating from Australian Road Assessment Program raising concerns about the state's most critical transport routes.

South Australia's major highways have been dealt a damning blow, with the Australian Road Assessment Program awarding the state's most critical transport routes the lowest possible safety rating. The findings have raised serious concerns about the safety of roads that carry thousands of vehicles daily, including freight, commuters, and tourists.

The AusRAP assessment, a national benchmarking program that rates roads based on the level of protection they provide to drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists, evaluated hundreds of kilometres of SA's highway network. The results were stark: several key routes, including sections of the Sturt Highway, the Dukes Highway, and the Princes Highway, scored one-star ratings for safety.

"This is a shocking result for South Australia. A one-star rating means the road provides the lowest level of protection for road users. These roads are not meeting acceptable safety standards, and urgent action is needed to fix them," said the RAA's Senior Manager of Safety and Infrastructure, Charles Mountain.

"We are talking about roads that carry thousands of vehicles every day. It is not acceptable that they are being rated so poorly."

The AusRAP program evaluates roads based on a range of safety features, including the presence of barriers, the width of lanes, the condition of the road surface, and the provision of safety features such as rumble strips and guardrails. A one-star rating indicates that a road lacks these critical safety features, significantly increasing the risk of serious and fatal crashes.

The findings are particularly concerning given South Australia's road toll, which has risen in recent years. In 2025, the state recorded 127 road deaths, up from 114 the previous year. The Australian Road Assessment Program's rating system has identified these roads as high-risk, and the RAA is calling for immediate investment to bring them up to standard.

"These roads are the backbone of our transport network. They connect our regions, support our economy, and are vital for everyday travel. We cannot afford to have them rated so poorly," Mountain added.

The South Australian government has committed to a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure program, including upgrades to major highways. However, the AusRAP ratings suggest that current investment levels may not be sufficient to address the scale of the problem.

Here is the question this rating raises. The AusRAP assessment is a sobering reminder of the dangers on South Australia's highways. When major transport routes are given the lowest safety rating, what does that say about the state's commitment to road safety?

As major SA highways receive the lowest possible safety rating, The Silicon Review asks a final question. When the state's most critical roads are rated as the most dangerous in the country, is the current infrastructure investment sufficient to save lives?

FAQ:

Q: What is the Australian Road Assessment Program?
A: AusRAP is a national program that rates roads based on the level of protection they provide to drivers, pedestrians, and cyclists. The ratings range from one to five stars, with one star being the lowest safety rating.

Q: Which South Australian highways received a one-star safety rating?
A: Sections of the Sturt Highway, the Dukes Highway, and the Princes Highway received one-star ratings for safety.

Q: What does a one-star safety rating mean?
A: A one-star rating means the road provides the lowest level of protection for road users and lacks critical safety features such as barriers, rumble strips, and adequate lane widths.

Q: What is South Australia's current road toll?
A: South Australia recorded 127 road deaths in 2025, up from 114 the previous year.

Q: What is being done to improve road safety in South Australia?
A: The South Australian government has committed to a multi-billion-dollar infrastructure program, but the AusRAP ratings suggest more investment is needed.