Updated March 2008

In late 2003 the Commonwealth Government announced that $30 m would be allocated to upgrading Eyre Highway over the financial years 2004/05 and 2005/06.  The Federal Government has increased the allocation to $45 m.

The sections of Eyre Highway that have been upgraded with the funds are around Balladonia west SLK 139-196 (57 km) and Caiguna east SLK 384-401 (17 km). These sections have had pavement reconstructed and widened to a 9 m seal, and substandard crests have also be improved.

A contract was awarded to Macmahon Contractors Pty Ltd in August 2005.  Works commenced on the Caiguna section in November 2005 and the Balladonia section commenced in January 2006.  The Caiguna and Balladonia west sections were completed in early March 2006 and December 2006 respectively.

An extension to the ongoing works has been approved under the Federal Government's Auslink Accelerated Upgrading Program which will see an additional 91 km of similar sections with poor vertical and horizontal geometry at Balladonia East SLK 196-242 (45 km) and Heartbreak Ridge SLK 45-90 (45 km) upgraded to a similar standard.  Works on the Balladonia East section and the Heartbreak Ridge sections were completed in January 2008.