Sorell and Midway Point causeway duplication: Work set to begin in late 2025, pending approvals
Long-awaited upgrades to busy causeways in Southern Tasmania are expected to commence in late 2025 as the state government reveals concept designs of the project.
Tasmania
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Work is set to begin on the duplication of the Sorell and Midway Point causeways later this year, effectively doubling the space for vehicles at what has become a notorious choke point.
Jointly funded by the state and Commonwealth governments, the $187m project still requires federal environmental approvals before construction can commence.
The causeways will be widened from two to four lanes, including the construction of a second McGees Bridge between Sorell and Midway Point.
The state government released concept images of the project on Wednesday as it opened the public consultation period, seeking feedback from the community.
Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent said the upgraded causeways would “improve safety and traffic flow”.
“The upgraded causeways will complement the other significant projects completed under the program including the Midway Point interchange, the Sorell Bypass and Hobart Airport interchange,” he said.
“These projects are already delivering safety and travel time improvements for road users travelling between Hobart and the growing South-East region.”
The population in the Sorell area is increasing at nearly three times the rate of the entire state, leading to heavier traffic flows on the local road network.
Additional pressure on the roads is created by tourist traffic bound for the East Coast and the Tasman Peninsula.
Construction of the causeway upgrades is expected to begin in late 2025, pending environmental approvals.
The state submitted proposed environmental management plans to the federal government late last year.
The project area comprises an internationally listed Ramsar wetland, a state-listed Nature Conservation Area, and habitat for the live-bearing seastar, which is a protected species only found in South-East Tasmania.
The Department of State Growth says it has been working with marine scientists for “several years” in order to gain a thorough understanding of the local ecosystem and “identify ways to minimise disruption to this complex environment”.
The federal government is providing the bulk of the funding for the project and Lyons Labor candidate Rebecca White said it would “greatly reduce the risk of crashes, improve freight movements and provide more efficient traffic flow now and as the population grows”.
“The Albanese government will continue to invest in these crucial projects to ensure a better future for Tasmanians,” she said.
The consultation period for the causeways project is open until March 11. Information sessions with the project team are being held on February 27 from 2pm to 6pm at the Midway Point Hall and on March 1 from 9am to 1pm at the South East Stadium at Sorell.
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Originally published as Sorell and Midway Point causeway duplication: Work set to begin in late 2025, pending approvals
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