A strengthening project will be undertaken on the Charles Street bridge in Launceston under the $100 million Freight Capacity Upgrade Program.
Critical work will be undertaken to bolster this key bridge in Tasmania’s metropolitan road network as the first stage of the jointly funded program gets underway.
The Australian Government has committed $80 million to the transformational program, with the Tasmanian Government set to contribute $20 million.
The program will increase the freight capacity of critical and regional freight routes across the Apple Isle by strengthening or replacing various bridges and improving sections of roads.
Charles Street Bridge is among 11 bridges to undergo strengthening during stage one, which will also see two other bridges replaced, and road improvement works carried out at 14 other sites.
The program is being delivered over five years with design for select Stage 1 projects already underway. Tenders for the Charles Street Bridge strengthening, along with other bridge sites, are expected to be called during mid-2023, with construction starting later in the year.
For more information on the Freight Capacity Upgrade Program, visit https://investment.infrastructure.gov.au/projects/117382-21tas-np.
Comments attributable to Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm:
“The Australian Government is committed to keeping the wheels of our freight transport industry and the economy moving through transformational programs like the Freight Capacity Upgrade Program.
“We are proud to partner with the Tasmanian Government to deliver the Freight Capacity Upgrade Program, which over the life of the program, will open up to 224km of State road and bridge network capability to increase freight productivity for critical state industries such as agriculture and manufacturing.
“This is among the first of many projects to come that will prove a game-changer in terms of building a safer, more productive transport network benefiting all Tasmanian road users.”
Comments attributable to Tasmanian Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Michael Ferguson:
“The Freight Capacity Upgrade Program not only enhances the productivity of Tasmanian freight, but also increases efficiency and road safety.
“This investment in Tasmania is great news for our community and will back local jobs while also supporting our freight industry.”
Comments attributable to Senator for Tasmania, Helen Polley:
“This investment in the Charles Street Bridge is great news for road users, businesses and freight capacity. I welcome the job creating initiatives of the Albanese Government across Tasmania and am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our freight and transport workers to improve safety and efficiency within our road and bridge network.”