COVID rebuild: $46 million for Tasmanian road upgrades
Upgrades for two major highways will be part of a $46 million infrastructure cash splash for Tasmania to create tradie jobs and rebuild the economy.
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THE Arthur and Bass highways will be upgraded as part of a $46 million infrastructure cash splash for Tasmania to create tradie jobs and rebuild the economy after coronavirus.
Resurfacing key stretches of road will be one of nine “shovel-ready” and road safety projects Premier Peter Gutwein and Prime Minister Scott Morrison will announce today.
It’s part of a wider $1.5 billion federal infrastructure funding boost across Australia to create jobs, improve road safety and rebuild the economy after the COVID-19 shutdown.
The work will get under way immediately or within six months.
Mr Morrison said the priority upgrades would “increase productivity, improve safety and boost jobs at a time we need it most”.
Priority stretches of road will be resurfaced across the state, including parts of the Arthur, Bass, West Tamar, and Channel highways as well as Bell Bay Main Rd and Bridport Main Rd.
The $10 million project will begin in October and is expected to be completed by June 2021.
Electronic school zones signs will also be installed at a number of primary schools in another $3 million project.
Other road safety upgrades will include $5 million for heavy vehicle rest areas, with one slated for the East Tamar Highway, and $7 million for upgrade to the Huon Highway, Sandfly Rd junction.
Roadside barriers will also be installed for the Cradle Mountain and Cethana Tourist
Roads, Lake Secondary Rd, Elephant Pass and Esk Main Rd.
Another $2.5 million will go to strengthening bridges across the state, so they are safer for trucks and cars.
The Federal Government will also chip in $5.2 million for the Richmond Rd project, specifically for widening a stretch from Prickly Hollow Bridge to the intersection at Grasstree Hill Rd.
“Many of the projects are due to start later this year, creating jobs and boosting the Tasmanian economy once COVID-19 has passed,” Mr Gutwein said.
It would complement the state’s ‘construction blitz’ to help the economy bounce back and support jobs, he said.
Assistant Minister for Regional Tourism Jonathon Duniam said it would help improve the experience for local and overseas tourists.
He said funding for main road and highway enhancements in areas that visitors regularly travel would “ensure the needs and expectations of those travelling by road are met, including those in caravans and campervans”.
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“This funding will provide tourists with a visitor experience that matches Tasmania’s reputation as a premium destination.”
Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the projects would “improve road safety for all users”.
The Morrison government will commit $34.3 million for the package while the Gutwein government will contribute $11.7 million.
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