Proposal
Council is undertaking a closure of the Melaleuca Drive access to Cheek Avenue. Part of the road closure is consideration of how a secondary access can be maintained to Calton Road.
Why is this change being proposed?
A roundabout has long been planned for the intersection of Calton Road and Cheek Avenue.
The State Government has undertaken planning and traffic investigations for the Concordia growth area. As part of the Concordia Basic Infrastructure Scheme, released on 15 January 2026, additional infrastructure requirements were identified to support future population growth in the region.
One of these requirements is a 20-metre diameter roundabout at the intersection of Calton Road and Cheek Avenue. The roundabout is intended to accommodate future traffic growth and allow buses, waste collection vehicles, emergency services and other large vehicles to safely navigate the intersection.
Following release of the Scheme, Council has progressed a more detailed design for the roundabout. Through this process, it has become evident that retaining the existing Melaleuca Drive access to Cheek Avenue is not feasible.
This is primarily because:
- When the roundabout is completed, vehicles cannot safely enter and exit Melaleuca Drive onto Cheek Avenue in the current location
- The roundabout requires additional supporting infrastructure, including footpaths, shared-use paths, lighting, landscaping and underground services, which limits the available space for an access connection
Consequently, Council is proposing to close the existing Melaleuca Drive access to Cheek Avenue and provide a new access connection to Calton Road. This proposal is being undertaken in accordance with Section 32 of the Road Traffic Act 1961.
Where is the proposed new access?
Council is proposing a new Melaleuca Drive access onto Calton Road approximately 35 metres east of Cockshell Drive, as shown on the enclosed concept plan.
Following detailed assessment, Council staff consider this to be the most suitable location because:
- It provides appropriate separation from the proposed roundabout and nearby intersections
- It can safely accommodate both passenger vehicles and larger service vehicles
- It has been discussed with key service providers, including the Northern Adelaide Waste Management Authority (NAWMA), SA Ambulance Service (SAAS) and Metropolitan Fire Service (MFS), who have not raised any significant concerns with the location
- It achieves the necessary sight distance for road safety while minimising impacts on existing vegetation
- It minimises impacts on adjoining properties by avoiding existing driveway crossovers and generally fronting a side boundary rather than a dwelling frontage
- It minimises the potential for cut-through traffic compared to the current location
Council also investigated several alternative access locations along Calton Road. However, these options were considered less suitable due to road safety constraints, proximity to nearby intersections, impacts on vegetation, or reduced accessibility for service and emergency vehicles.
Please refer to the link below for details / outcomes of the thorough investigation that eliminated other potential locations.
What impact will this have on local traffic?
Council has collected traffic data within Melaleuca Drive and surrounding streets.
This data indicates that Melaleuca Drive and adjoining local streets currently carry fewer than 250 vehicles per day, which is well within the expected traffic volumes for a local residential street.
Based on Council's assessment, the proposed access relocation will not change the function and characteristics of Melaleuca Drive and the surrounding street. Any additional travel time for residents is anticipated to be minimal.
Next Steps
Council acknowledges that this proposal represents a change for residents of Melaleuca Drive.
Based on the investigations completed to date, Council considers the proposed road closure, and alternate access arrangement will maintain safe and functional access to the local road network while supporting the broader transport needs of the area.
If you would like to discuss the proposal or provide feedback, please contact Richard Frimpong, Senior Traffic Engineer
Tel: 8522 9247
Email: richard.frimpong@gawler.sa.gov.au
Feedback must be received by 5pm, Monday 29 June 2026.