Darren Chester, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Rene Hidding, Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure
Senator Jonathon Duniam, Senator for Tasmania
Tenders are being called for $5.43 million in safety upgrades of major Bass Highway junctions in Latrobe and Wynyard.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said the upgrades would address community safety concerns arising from the intersections’ poor crash records.
“Investing in infrastructure upgrades to provide safer roads is part of the Australian Government’s commitment to reduce fatalities and serious injuries on our national road network,” Mr Chester said.
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure Rene Hidding said the Wynyard Junctions Safety Improvements project would target five intersections and close one junction on the Wynyard Bypass.
"These upgrades are needed to ensure the safety of motorists, and I am very pleased that tenders are now being called to get these projects underway,” Mr Hidding said.
“The Wynyard works include installing a new roundabout at the Calder Road-York Street junction, improved signage and line markings at Deep Creek Road, channelised right turn lanes at Oldina Road, improvements to the intersection at Reservoir Drive, changes to the Inglis Street intersection and the closure of the Wilkinson Street junction.
“The Latrobe Safety Improvements include installing pedestrian crossing facilities and upgraded signage at the Moriarty Road roundabout, improvements to sight lines at Gilbert Street, and right-turn lanes being installed at York Street intersection creating a safer access to the Wattle Hill service station.”
Tasmanian Senator Jonathon Duniam said upgrading the intersections would make a big difference to local and visitor traffic.
“The Bass Highway is a key route for freight, tourist and local traffic, and by upgrading these intersections through measures such as new roundabouts, improved signage and line marking and dedicated turning lanes, we are investing in the lives of all drivers,” Senator Duniam said.
“We are expecting construction of both projects to start in early 2018. Completion of the works at Latrobe are expected to be done by mid-2018, and by early 2019 for the Wynyard Junctions Safety Improvements.”
Information about both tenders will be available from www.tenders.tas.gov.au.
The Australian Government has committed up to $2.3 million and the Tasmanian Government up to $575,000 toward the Wynyard Intersection Upgrades. The Australian Government has committed up to $2.04 million and the Tasmanian Government up to $510,600 to fund the Latrobe Intersection Upgrades.