$187 million to upgrade dual Sorell causeway project

Commuters are celebrating that funding has finally been locked in for the dual Sorell causeway project but leaders warn there’ll be years of roadwork delays before the traffic problems are rectified. LATEST >>

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THE Sorell community is celebrating that funding has finally been locked in for a long-awaited dual causeway to ease its growing traffic woes.

But Sorell Mayor Kerry Vincent has warned commuters there will be years of roadworks pain before any gain is realised.

Talks are already underway to increase public transport services during construction as a way of mitigating delays.

The $187-million dual causeway project is part of a $350m Tasmanian infrastructure boost in Tuesday’s Federal Budget.

“We had our fingers crossed that the project would be bought forward and it is just fantastic that the money has finally been secured,” Mr Vincent said.

“It is the last part of the South East Traffic Solution jigsaw.

Sorell Causeway.

“I would expect the roadworks at Midway and the airport will need to be finished first so things flow at a sensible rate. Accordingly, I would not expect works to begin on the dual causeway for about two years.

“Then there will be years of intense roadworks. It may get frustrating but will be totally worth it.”

Mr Vincent said the causeway was used by hundreds of thousands of motorists each year and that number was growing.

“We are working with Tasmania’s Own Redline to get more buses on the route to try and minimise traffic and we are also seeing office space in Sorell being snapped up as professional services set up here rather than have their workers commute,” he said.

Currently 76 per cent of Sorell’s workforce commute to Hobart.

Redline Tourism and Sales and Marketing Manager Stuart Harris said duplicating the causeway would – in conjunction with the Sorell Bypass, Midway Point intersection and Airport interchange – create a four-lane highway from Sorell to Hobart.

Redline Coaches bus driver Paul Gallard at the interchange at Sorell. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

The bus company has provided timetabled services along the South East corridor from the past 35 years and Mr Harris said traffic congestion had steadily increased over the past decade with an even more noticeable increase over the past five years.

“We recommend that the focus now shifts to how traffic delays during the estimated five to eight years of construction will be managed,” he said.

Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson said the duplication would improve travel times, safety and amenity fro commuters.

“This massive package of projects will also improve productivity in the freight industry and enhance the tourist experience for those travelling to areas such as the East Coast and Tasman Peninsula,” Mr Ferguson said.