River Murray flood update: Purnong and Walker Flat ferries and Kingston Road

13 December 2022

As River Murray water levels continue to rise, Purnong and Walker Flat ferries will close this week, while Kingston Road at Moorook will be restricted to light vehicle access only from 6pm tonight (Tuesday, 13 December).

River Murray ferries

Purnong ferry will close from 7pm tomorrow, Wednesday 14 December, while Walker Flat ferry will close from 7pm Thursday, 15 December due to water levels rising beyond where these ferries can safely operate.

Current alternative river crossings for these ferries are the Blanchetown Bridge (upstream) and Murray Bridge (downstream).

A reminder that Swan Reach, Morgan, Lyrup, Mannum upstream and downstream ferries are already closed due to high water levels.

The Department is closely monitoring water levels and endeavouring to keep ferries operating as long as it is safe to do so, however conditions are changing quickly and ferries may need to be closed at short notice.

Waikerie (high ramp), Tailem Bend and Wellington ferries are still operating as per normal, but may need to close in late December due to the closure of ferry access roads.

Narrung and Cadell ferry services are not expected to be impacted based on current predictions.

To find the status of all River Murray ferries, as well as latest information and advice during River Murray floods, visit www.sa.gov.au/floods.

Kingston Road

Kingston Road at Moorook will close to all heavy vehicles from 6pm tonight (Tuesday, 13 December) to minimise further damage to the surface and ensure the road can remain open to light vehicles for as long as possible.

Light vehicles and emergency services will be permitted to use the road, with reduced speeds and traffic management staff on-site to guide vehicles safely in both directions and monitor traffic.

Heavy vehicles (over 4.5 tonnes) will need to detour via Stott Highway and Hunter Road, to return to the Sturt Highway near Blanchetown.

While the Department is endeavouring to keep Kingston Road open as long as it is safe to do, this road is expected to need to be closed to all traffic in the next two to three days.

Taylorville Road

A section of Taylorville Road, adjacent Ross Lagoon and north of the Waikerie ferry, is anticipated to close in the next two to three days due rising water levels.

A detour via Goyder Highway and Devlins Pound Road will be in place to enable the Waikerie ferry to remain operational for light vehicles.

Staff are continuing to undertake regular assessments of these and other low-lying roads in the region and we continue to monitor current and predicted flood levels.

For the latest information on road closures and detours please visit www.traffic.sa.gov.au.

More information

The Department for Infrastructure and Transport will continue provide updates via Facebook and Twitter, including details of any road closures (including ferry closures), detours and safety advice.

For more on River Murray high flows, please visit the State Government’s dedicated website at www.sa.gov.au/floods.