Federal budget: $80m boost for Hobart commuters
Hobart’s notoriously congested Southern Outlet is set to be a major winner when the federal government announces its budget tonight.
Tasmania
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The federal government will announce $80m to pay for major improvements to Hobart’s Southern Outlet in tonight’s federal budget.
The ten-year program of upgrades will include road widening and intersection upgrades to improve capacity on the major commuter route from Kingborough, the Channel and the Huon Valley.
The funding will focus on the section of road from Olinda Grove to Kingston and will include the introduction of transit lanes for public transport and people with extra passengers or who are car pooling.
Labor member for Franklin Julie Collins said it was an example of the Albanese Labor Government “cleaning up the mess of the Tasmanian Liberal Government”.
“The Kingborough and Huon Valley regions are rapidly growing and deserve the right infrastructure, and only Federal Labor can be trusted to deliver funding for it,” she said.
“The community is front of mind when investing in this project, and we expect them to be consulted to ensure they reap the benefits.
“This builds on our commitment to deliver a Medicare Urgent Care Clinic in Kingston.
“We’re delivering road projects across Franklin including the Kingston Bypass duplication and Algona Road Roundabout upgrade and upgrades to the Huon Highway corridor.”
Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the improvements would cut commute times and improve safety.
“We’re supporting the growth of Tasmania, upgrading roads and investing in public transport to make journeys safer, smoother and more enjoyable,” she said.
“Today’s investment means less time in the car and more time at home with your loved ones for residents of Hobart’s growing south.
“Transit lanes can make a difference to your daily commute, which is why we’re making this investment – to lighten the load for locals.”
Delivery is expected to commence in late 2028, with an estimated completion date of mid-2035.
The funding comes on top of $265m of federal funding for other road projects in the budget including:
* $200m for safety upgrades along Arthur Highway
* $20m for planning and design works for the New Tamar Crossing
* $27.2m for upgrades along Ridgley Highway
* $10m to improve the resilience of Esk Main Road at St Marys Pass
* $4m for the Arthur Highway Sorell Rivulet Bridge
* $4m to plan for safety and efficiency improvements on the Brooker Highway Safety.
The state government is spending $200m to install a fifth transit lane on the Southern Outlet.
Originally published as Federal budget: $80m boost for Hobart commuters
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