Truro Businesses Await Decision on Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass

Businesses along the Sturt Highway in Truro are delaying decisions about future investments while waiting for clarity on a proposed freight bypass project. The Greater Adelaide Freight Bypass would reroute traffic around the township. The $1 billion project has been discussed for decades and was placed back on the agenda after the 2025 federal election.

The state government has argued that the federal government should cover 80 percent of the cost. The Commonwealth has offered 60 percent and did not include new funding for the project in the May federal budget. Previous federal and state governments had committed funds for a Truro bypass in 2021, but the federal commitment was later withdrawn.

The Truro Hotel reopened just under a year ago after a period of closure. Its manager said passing highway traffic brings customers who stop at the last minute and that plans to open a bottle shop across the road depend on knowing how soon a bypass might be built.

A local resident who purchased a former winery to convert into a car and motorcycle museum said constant truck noise has affected sleep but also noted the highway location brings potential visitors. He said a decision is needed so planning can move forward.

The state opposition has called for construction to begin. It remains to be seen what funding the state government will allocate in its June budget.