Bookpurnong Road, Lyrup ferry set for imminent closures

RIVERLANDERS travelling between Loxton and Berri, and to and from Lyrup, will need to use detours as the current River Murray flood event is expected to force the closure of a major local road and ferry. 

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) yesterday advised the section of Bookpurnong Road between Berri and Kemp Road was anticipated to be closed tomorrow. 

The DIT website advised all motorists would "need to use the existing detour via Stanitzki Road to Sturt Highway, through Paringa and Renmark and onto the Old Sturt Highway, at Berri".

"The department is endeavouring to keep all roads open as long as it is safe to do so, with teams undertaking regular assessments of Bookpurnong Road and other low-lying roads in the region," the website stated. 

"For the safety of all road users, motorists should not stop on Bookpurnong Road or the side of the road except in an emergency. 

"Conditions can change quickly and roads... may have to be closed at short notice." 

Meanwhile, DIT also advised the Lyrup ferry would be closed from 7pm tonight, and would remain closed while flow conditions remain above 120GL/day. 

Alternative river crossings are upstream at the Paringa Bridge, and downstream at the Berri Bridge. 

The DIT website advised "all other ferry services are currently operating as normal", as of 4pm on Tuesday, November 29, however it is expected the Morgan ferry will close next week. 

Further information regarding the status of all River Murray ferries can be found by visiting the website (www.sa.gov.au/floods).