Grey nomads, truckies, and other drivers in South Australia’s far north will benefit from a couple of new and improved rest areas.
Major works are complete on the construction of a new heavy vehicle rest stop along Olympic Dam Highway at Pimba, and the upgrade of an existing rest area along Stuart Highway at Arcoona.
The Department for Infrastructure and Transport said the improvements would deliver more opportunity for road users to safely take a break and manage fatigue, boosting road safety.
“Both rest areas are available to all road users, with heavy and light vehicles able to safely share these important facilities,” a Department spokesperson told the Grey Nomads. “Additionally, separate parking for light vehicles is available at Island Lagoon Lookout, which is accessible from the main upgraded Arcoona rest stop along Stuart Highway.”
The Arcoona rest stop now has improved access, a sealed parking area, and new amenities including a new shelter with a picnic table and seating. PIC: DIT
The Arcoona rest stop near Island Lagoon Lookout has been enhanced with access improvements, a sealed parking area and new amenities, including a new shelter with a picnic table and seating.
The new rest area at Pimba, adjacent to Spud’s Roadhouse, provides another place for drivers to safely stop, and includes new pavement and improved drainage.
The new rest area at Pimba provides another place for drivers to safely stop. PIC: DIT
As many grey nomads will know, finding a convenient and attractive place to stop on an Outback drive is not always easy … and makes a big difference.
“Driver fatigue is a major factor causing road crashes and is more likely to be an issue in rural and regional areas due to long trips and periods of continuous driving,” said the Department for Infrastructure and Transport spokesperson. “It is particularly dangerous because fatigued drivers can’t judge their own level of tiredness.”
From 2020 to 2024, there were 51 reported crashes on Stuart Highway between Tarcoola Road, Glendambo, and Eyre Highway, Port Augusta. These crashes resulted in four lives lost and eight serious injuries.
Equally funded by the Australian and South Australian governments under the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Initiative, the two improved rest areas will ensure safer journeys for the approximately 950 vehicles, including 330 heavy vehicles, that collectively travel past the sites every day.
Senator for South Australia, Karen Grogan, said it was fantastic that the new amenities were ready ahead of the Christmas holiday season.
“These upgrades make this important stretch of road safer for everyone who uses it, from truckies moving freight across the country to the thousands of tourists and other motorists that travel the Stuart Highway each year,” she said.
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