The Tasmanian Government has announced it will deliver a $485 million investment in state roads this year, as part of a $2.4 billion four-year roads and bridges program jointly funded with the Federal Government.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson said the works are about boosting the economy, supporting Tasmanian jobs and improving state roads, and after a short Christmas and New Year break, roadworks across the state were now resuming.
“Keeping our economy growing and keeping Tasmanians in jobs is more crucial now than ever, as we recover and rebuild a stronger Tasmania,” said Minister Ferguson.
He said around 90 kilometres of the $500 million Midland Highway 10-Year Action Plan was now complete, with around 60 kilometres remaining in design and construction.
“The $576 million New Bridgewater Bridge is on schedule, with the procurement, planning approval and consultation processes already underway,” said Mr Ferguson.
“Our $350 million South East Traffic Solution package, which will build capacity on the Tasman Highway to handle the rapidly growing demand from commuter, freight and tourist traffic, is also progressing well.
“Work has started in earnest on the key Hobart Airport Interchange and the Midway Point Intersection Solution, and tenders have been called for the Sorell Southern Bypass.
“The Richmond Road Master Plan is in the final stages of construction, and we will continue to work through projects on the Great Eastern Drive program, to support our visitor economy.”
He said major improvements to the Bass Highway under the Cooee to Wynyard and Wynyard to Marrawah strategies were also started during the year and were continuing.
“These are just some of the projects that will continue during our busy construction year ahead.”
“This follows record road infrastructure delivery in the 2019-20 financial year, $278 million invested in road and bridge upgrades, delivering 38 projects – the biggest year of road projects in more than a decade.
“Our landmark $5 billion infrastructure program is the centrepiece of the Government’s recovery strategy, underpinning around 25,000 jobs, supporting businesses and increasing confidence as we recover and rebuild a stronger Tasmania.”
Roads projects reach full speed
