Plans to construct a brand new Granite Island Causeway have been confirmed by the State Government.
Design plans for the structure were today released for consultation, ahead of a detailed design phase.
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The new Causeway is set to have a different alignment to the existing structure, keeping the 150 year-old icon open while the new build takes place.
The total project cost will be finalised through the design phase and is expected to be complete by late 2021.
The Marshall Government committed an initial $20 million in the 2019-20 State Budget towards securing the future of the Causeway, as part of its $1.115 billion regional roads and infrastructure program.
"The Marshall Government is investing in regional infrastructure and has secured the future of the Granite Island Causeway," said Minister for Transport, Infrastructure and Local Government Stephan Knoll.
"The new and improved Granite Island Causeway, along with the Island itself, will continue to be an iconic tourism drawcard for the region."
Work to secure a long-term solution for the ailing Causeway has been ongoing after the famous horse tram was forced to cease operation for six months this year, due to structural issues with the Causeway.
Temporary repairs were carried out in June and services have since resumed, however during the peak season over summer, the suspension of the horse tram was costing the City of Victor Harbor council approximately $6000 per day.
City of Victor Harbor CEO Victoria MacKirdy said council was excited by the project.
"Council's preferred option has been the construction of a new Causeway," she said.
"We are really happy that the state government is moving so quickly on this and are excited to be moving forward.
"We will be assessing and making comment on the design plans as they are made available and would encourage anyone else interested to do so too."
Member for Finniss, David Basham said the Causeway was an iconic piece of tourism infrastructure in South Australia.
"The Victor Harbor Causeway is one of the biggest tourism drawcards in Victor Harbor and the broader Fleurieu Peninsula region," said Mr Basham.
"Along with the historic horse-drawn tram, it's the jewel in the Fleurieu Peninsula's tourism crown.
"So many local businesses rely on tourism dollars to make their livelihoods, support their families and create local jobs.
"Securing the future of the Granite Island Causeway goes a long way to securing the future of the tourism industry in the region which is so important to our local economy."
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