Road fixes for West Tamar and Boat Harbour likely to be fast tracked

The RACT has called for the fast-tracking of road fixes in Tasmania’s North and North-West, — and the State Growth Minister has hinted they may soon be on the way.

THE State Government’s soon to be released infrastructure plan must include West Tamar and Boat Harbour road fixes, says the RACT.

Later this week, the Government will outline what it is describing as the biggest infrastructure spend in Tasmania’s history.

RACT executive general manager of membership and community Stacey Pennicott said there were some projects from the North and North-West of the state which should be at the top of the list.

Stacey Pennicott. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“Our members in the North are extremely concerned at the state of the West Tamar Highway,” she said.

“We’re calling for upgrades north of Rosevears Drive to Gravelly Beach Rd and between Atkinsons Rd and Waldhom Drive, new overtaking opportunities between Exeter and the Batman Highway and improvements around Motor Rd Junction.

“RACT members and the broader community are also very concerned about the notorious section of the Bass Highway near Boat Harbour.

“There have been some terrible accidents in the area in recent years and the community is rightly calling for work to be fast-tracked that would make that section of the highway safer.

Ms Pennicott said the Government should particularly look to bring forward roadworks to improve safety around the entrance to the Boat Harbour Primary School.

State Growth Minister Michael Ferguson hinted that the projects would be among those set to be fast tracked.

“Not only will we consider it — I think there will be some very broad smiles on the faces of our friends at the RACT and more importantly the motoring public,” he said.