Local Member of Parliament Mr Tony Piccolo has welcomed the decision of the Gawler Council to confirm finally the alignment of the Gawler East Link Road. Last Tuesday evening the Council selected the route originally outlined by the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure. Mr Piccolo said that while he understood it would have been a difficult decision to make, it was the right choice for the residents and ratepayers of Gawler. “The original route is the most direct route and requires the least amount of private property acquisition,” Mr Piccolo said. “Not only that, but it is the most cost effective route for Gawler’s ratepayers. “While I acknowledge that some people will not be happy with the chosen route, I will work with residents and DPTI to minimise the impact of the GELR,” he said. DPTI have been investigating the possible provision of a service road for Potts Road residents with improved treatments at the intersection of Coleman Parade and Potts Road. Mr Piccolo said that new traffic lights at Potts and Main North Road would certainly help residents to access the Gawler Green Shopping Centre and significantly improve safety for drivers, pedestrians, and local schoolchildren. “Having recently secured an upgrade to the Tulloch Road intersection, the lights will be synchronised with Potts Road to facilitate smoother traffic movements,” Mr Piccolo said. $55 million was allocated for the GELR in the 2015/16 State Government budget. Mr Piccolo said it was unfortunate that it has taken so long to reach this point. “The Council’s indecision has caused a great deal of distress and harm to many residents who have been forced to endure an uncertain future. “The new route does not cut off the opportunity to extend the GELR to Tiver Road sometime in the future. “DPTI Officers have assured me that the road can be designed in a way that keeps the Tiver Road option on the table.