Bookpurnong Road closed to all traffic

Bookpurnong Road, the main transport link between Berri and Loxton, was closed this morning due to rising River Murray water levels and deterioration of the road condition, tripling the distance for a trip between the two towns.

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) has been regularly monitoring the road and managing it closely, which allowed the road to be kept open longer than originally anticipated.

However, the latest inspection showed deterioration in the road surface, meaning it needed to be closed for the safety of road users.

All vehicles - including light and heavy vehicles - now need to use the existing detour via Stanitzki Road to the Sturt Highway, through Paringa and Renmark and onto the Old Sturt Highway, Berri.

The road will remain open to emergency vehicles while it remains safe.

DIT has undertaken regular assessment of the road, with the closure of the road to heavy vehicles first allowing it to be kept open for a week longer than originally expected.

A DIT spokesperson said closing the road now would minimise further damage to the surface, meaning that the road could be reopened as soon as possible after flood waters recede.

For latest information during River Murray floods, visit www.sa.gov.au/floods.