This necessary connector road averages around 4,000 vehicles per day, and during the summer months this traffic flow increases as holiday-makers flock to the coast to enjoy Adelaide's western beaches.
It's fitting that this road has now undergone a major upgrade, with the Cities of West Torrens and Charles Sturt working together to provide a road that should help increase traffic flows and provide a much-needed aesthetic boost for the area.
The $6.1 million upgrade has been in the planning for a number of years and involved a preliminary consultation process with residents and businesses in the area about their concerns and needs with regard to the road.
Following extensive consultation and the development of various design concepts, road works began in October 2018, and now almost 12 months on it is open and ready for the summer months' visitors.
City of Charles Sturt Mayor Angela Evans said the collaborative project had resulted in a great outcome for all concerned with the project.
"Both the Cities of Charles Sturt and West Torrens have spent considerable time and effort working with the Adelaide Airport, West Beach Parks and local residents to ensure that this upgrade will be of benefit to the whole community; we believe what we've achieved will do just that," Mayor Evans said.
"Not only will the new road improve safety for all users, but we've incorporated numerous environmental design factors including the use of sustainable LED lighting and a tree-lined median island."
"West Beach Road provides a central role in facilitating access between Adelaide Airport, Harbour Town, the West Beach Parks precinct and the western coastal area and suburbs," West Torrens' Mayor Michael Coxon said.
"And it's fantastic that it will be open just in time for the annual Bay to Birdwood event, which leaves from Barrett Reserve at West Beach at the end of September. Seeing all those vintage vehicles on our new road will be a great dedication to all the work that has been achieved."
The project was made possible thanks to funding from the Australian Government of $2.7 million under its Roads to Recovery, Special Local Roads and Supplementary Local Roads programs. The remainder of the funding was provided by both councils.
The streetscape upgrade includes:
- tree-lined centre median island
- wide landscaped southern verge, including a shared off road path
- on-road bicycle lanes
- parking lane on the northern side of the road
- indented bus stops
- pedestrian crossing points
- new and upgraded street lighting.
"As well as being a highly utilised area by tourists, West Beach is home to numerous sporting clubs," Mayor Coxon said.
"This upgrade will help increase road safety for pedestrians and road users."