$1.1 billion to build better roads and rail for Tasmania

The Hodgman Liberal Government is getting on with the job of Delivering on our Plan to Build Your Future with a better, safer road system for Tasmanians.

The 2018-19 Budget delivers over $711 million in new projects, upgrades and maintenance across the State.

Coupled with Australian Government commitments this takes total road investment to $1.1 billion.

We know that better roads save lives and reduce the impact of serious crashes, as well as increase productivity and liveability as commuters travel more efficiently, so we are investing in a number of major road projects.

A Launceston and Tamar Valley Traffic Vision is more important than ever as we see significant investment in major development underway and planned, including the relocation of the University of Tasmania campus to Invermay.

An allocation of $53 million is in the Budget towards this vision, and will include other works such as the commencement of planning for a second Tamar River crossing near University Way, transfer of ownership of the Launceston Couplet, making the Mowbray Interconnector safer and West Tamar Highway upgrades.

The Hodgman Liberal Government understands that as Hobart has grown so has the number of commuters and that is why we are investing $21 million towards a South East Traffic Solution.

There is also an additional $27 million investment towards a new Hobart Airport interchange to help ease the bottleneck in and out of Hobart to the East.

A further $30.8 million has been allocated to the Greater Hobart Traffic Vision for measures to alleviate congestion, which includes transferring ownership of Macquarie and Davey streets and the commencement of planning works on the Southern Outlet’s fifth lane.

We know that Tasmania is seeing more visitors than ever before, and to ensure they enjoy and have a safe visit to the State we are investing $51.7 million to improve roads frequented by tourists.

These works include sealing popular gravel roads, and building more passing lanes and stopping bays.

The Hodgman Government is getting on with Building Tasmania’s Future with improved infrastructure.

Roads projects to be funded include:

Southern Region

Continued funding of the Midland Highway 10 Year Action Plan;
Richmond Road upgrades and Cambridge bypass;
Huon Highway/Sandfly Road intersection;
Mud Walls Road;
Commence duplication of the East Derwent Highway at Geilston Bay; and
Safety upgrades on the Huon and Channel highways and cycling safety improvements.

Northern Region

Continued funding of the Midland Highway 10 Year Action Plan;
Pedestrian solution for the Midland Highway at Campbell Town oval;
Overtaking lanes at the Tasman Highway at Myrtle Park;
Road widening on Evandale Road between Launceston Airport and Evandale;
Road improvements across Dorset Council; and
Commencement of planning for upgrading the Bass Highway between Deloraine and Latrobe.

North West and West Coast Region

Upgrading the Bass Highway west of Wynyard including rebuilding works through Britton’s Swamp;
New passing opportunities between Wynyard and Smithton;
Safety improvements at the access to Boat Harbour Primary School;
Reconstruction of sections of the Henty Main Road,
Contribution to the Central Coast Council for a cycling connection across the Forth River; and;
Construction of an overpass at Leith to improve safety at Bass Highway junctions with Leith Road and Short Street.