Rene Hidding, Minister for Infrastructure
Darren Chester, Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Senator Jonathon Duniam, Liberal Senator for Tasmania
Significant progress has been made on delivering safety upgrades in Tasmania through the Australian and Tasmanian Government’s $500 million Midland highway 10 year Action Plan.
The Perth to Breadalbane Duplication, which began in early 2016, is on track and scheduled for completion in early 2018.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said its completion will be another marker in raising the full length of the Highway to AusRAP 3 star rating.
“The Perth to Breadalbane Duplication is the largest project in the 10 year Action Plan and the Australian Government committed $34 million to ensure its completion,” Mr Chester said.
“It would upgrade 4.5 kilometres of the Midland Highway between Perth and Breadalbane to four lanes, improving safety, reliability, and transport efficiency.”
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure Rene Hidding said the project would result in increased safety while supporting jobs in the state’s north.
“This is a critical section of the Midland Highway as it carries high freight volumes and high traffic volumes, which is why the Government committed over $8 million towards the upgrade,” Mr Hidding said.
“Pleasingly, two Tasmanian companies are completing the construction which is supporting jobs and adding to the local economy.”
Liberal Senator for Tasmania Jonathan Duniam said Tasmania was already seeing the benefits of the Action Plan.
“Seven projects have already been completed at Kempton, Spring Hill, Tunbridge, and Kings Meadows,” Senator Duniam said.
“The community is already enjoying the benefits of improved safety and efficiency such as increased overtaking opportunities and separation of opposing traffic where central flexible safety barriers have been installed.”
By the end of 2017, works on a further 23 kilometres of highway will be completed. Main construction is also starting today on the Symmons Plains to south of Perth upgrade, which will result in additional overtaking lanes, junction upgrades, alignment improvements, safety barrier and turning facilities.
There are currently six projects underway along the highway with work underway at Symmons Plains, Mangalore, Bagdad, Kempton, Mowbray, White Lagoon and Mona Vale.
Contractors are beginning to return to work at these major construction sites from this week, and motorists are reminded to slow down around road works sites, and plan their journey to allow extra time, especially when travelling the full length of the highway.
The Australian Government is contributing $400 million and the Tasmanian Government $100 million towards the $500 million package.