An Introduction

The Metropolitan Region fulfils a complex role within Transport SA. Its primary focus is on meeting transport needs within the metropolitan area and providing for the safe, efficient and orderly movement of traffic.

The Metropolitan Network reaches from Gawler to Myponga, and extends eastward to cover the Adelaide Hills and Mt Lofty Ranges.

Within this vast area the Metropolitan Region of Transport SA looks after

• almost 2,000 km of carriageway on National Highways and arterial roads (local roads are the responsibility of councils)
• over 700 signalised sites
• 38,000 roadside lights
• a myriad of advisory, directional and regulatory signs
• a network of emergency phones and works with over 19 Local Councils.

Apart from operating the traffic signals within the Metropolitan Network (excluding the Adelaide City Council area) from the state-of-the-art, 24 hour a day Traffic Control Centre, the Metropolitan Region also

• conducts investigations into traffic issues such as hazardous locations, speed zoning and pedestrian safety
• maintains the road network and electrical assets within its geographical zone
• is involved in the planning of minor transport improvement projects.

The Metropolitan Region also implements many community programs. Within these programs, Metropolitan Region works with local councils, schools and community groups to address road safety for pedestrians, travel behaviour change and the environment.

Structured as six interrelated units, the Metropolitan Region

• creates relationships with the community to determine transport needs and provide transport solutions
• offers strategic and tactical advice on the future direction of transport systems within its geographic zone
• provides for the efficient and safe movement of all road users
• maintains the main (arterial) road network and roadside electrical assets
• provides expert traffic engineering investigations and analysis
• provides advice to the Minister and responds directly to enquiries from local government, community groups and individual transport users.

However, it is important to note that Transport SA is NOT responsible for

• the maintenance of local council roads, and the installation of school crossings on local roads
• the maintenance and operation of traffic signals within the City of Adelaide (Adelaide City Council)
• parking restrictions (except for Clearways)
• the operation and enforcement of red light cameras (Police jurisdiction)
• attending roadside lighting faults (ETSA has a contract with Transport SA).