Federal Transport Minister announces $213m in funding for roads and transport projects

Major arterial roads and highways in Tassie are set for an upgrade, with the federal Transport Minister making a million-dollar announcement on Tuesday. What projects are on the list.

Civil construction at airport roundabout. Picture Chris Kidd

Transport projects across the state are being boosted by funding from the federal government, including money to plan and design a new bridge across the Tamar.

Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King was in Tasmania on Tuesday to announce more than $240 million funding for major arterial roads, critical transport corridors, bridges and active transport infrastructure.

Civil construction at airport roundabout. Picture Chris Kidd

$43 million is being invested into roads in the North and nearly $213 million in the south.

About $204m of this funding has been earmarked for the Arthur Highway and Sorell Rivulet Bridge as a “critical corridor” for growing Hobart suburbs.

At Sorell on Tuesday Ms King said the Sorell Rivulet Bridge was in need of widening and safety improvements to accommodate the growing population in the region.

She said the pedestrian access was “obviously not very safe” with $4 million to go toward widening the bridge and creating a buffer between the bridge edge and the pedestrian access.

In partnership with the state government the Arthur Highway will be upgraded to improve safety with new overpassing lanes and barriers.

The Sorell Rivulet Bridge will be widened after a $200 million boost to Southern Tasmanian roads from the Albanese government. Picture: Elise Kaine

Up North in Launceston Ms King announced a $20 million investment to progress planning and design work for the New Tamar Crossing in partnership with the state government.

Planning for the new bridge over Kanamaluka/River Tamar is expected to start this year.

$10 million is being invested to progress the scoping of Esk Road to improve access between St Marys and St Helens, with improvements to ensure the route remains safe and open during severe weather events.

An additional $3.8 million is being invested to support further planning and design work for the Devonport to Cradle Mountain corridor, bringing the total Commonwealth investment to $6.3 million.

“We’re making Tasmania’s roads safer, stronger and more efficient which means convenient commutes and faster freight,” Ms King said.

Active transport projects across the state are set to receive a share of more than $4 million under the Active Transport Fund, including more than $2 million for the Tasman Council to build a multi-use walking track connecting the towns of Nubeena and White Beach.

Rebecca White Candidate for Lyons and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King announcing more than $200 million in funding for Tassie roads. Picture: Elise Kaine

Full list of projects funded:

$204 million to improve the Arthur Highway and widen the Sorell Rivulet Bridge.

$20 million to progress planning and design works for the New Tamar Crossing.

$10 million for Esk Main Road at St Marys Pass.

$4 million to the Brooker Highway for safety and efficiency improvements.

Additional $2 million to the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor.

$2.2 million to the Tasman Council for a track to connect Nubeena and White Beach.

$500,000 for Brighton Council

$15.6 million brought forward for the Tasmanian Freight Rail Revitalisation tranche 4.

$4 million for further safety improvements to Bridport Road.

$4 million for the Murchison Highway corridor.

$3.8 million for further planning and concept design works for the Devonport to Cradle Mountain corridor.

More than $670,000 for Launceston City Council to build a new path connecting Youngtown Primary School to existing footpaths.

$610,000 for Meander Valley Council to build new footpaths and cycleways at Blackstone Heights.

Originally published as Federal Transport Minister announces $213m in funding for roads and transport projects