Upgrades, ratings and more public transport on RACT’s budget wish list

Tassie’s peak motoring body says continued and considered investment in roads and transport should be an “absolute priority” for the state government this budget. SEE THE WISH LIST >>

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SPECIFIC road upgrades, improved road ratings and more affordable transport top the list of priorities in the RACT’s latest budget submission.

RACT chief member experience officer Stacey Pennicott said continued and considered investment in roads and transport should be an absolute priority for the state government.

SEE THE FULL WISH LIST BELOW >>

The peak motoring body has called for upgrades specifically to roads such as the Bass Highway, Wielangta Road, West Tamar Highway, Huon Highway/Sandfly junction and the Channel Highway at Howden.

Stacey Pennicott. Chief Member Experience Officer at RACT Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

The RACT’s road funding priorities are:

Bass Highway 10 Year Plan

1. Christmas Hills

2. Parramatta Creek

3. Upgraded Wynyard intersections

4. Wynyard to Marrawah

5. Burnie to Smithton

Greater Hobart Mobility Vision

6. Funding for years 1-5 of the Vision focuses on congestion busting measures, including: the increase of public and active transport, ferry services, park and ride facilities, car and ride share, active transport spines as well as projects that reduce interaction between people and vehicles in the CBD.

7. Introduction of smart city technologies and single ticket systems across all transport modes

8. Commence analysis and assessment of options for infrastructure projects that reduce traffic volumes in Hobart

Launceston and Tamar Valley Traffic Vision

9. Implement outcomes of final Vision including:

• Future Tamar Bridge
• West Tamar Highway improvements
• Long term congestion strategies

10. Flyover at Mowbray

Tasmanian Tourist Roads

11. Wielangta Road

12. Arthur Highway (in particular at Eaglehawk Neck)

13. Bruny Island

14. Stanley Highway

Major projects

15. Bridgewater Bridge replacement

16. South East Traffic Solution

Safety upgrades

17. Huon Highway/Sandfly junction

18. Channel Highway at Howden

19. Upgrade highways to minimum 3 star AusRAP rating

The group also wants to see all Tasmanian roads upgraded to at least a 3-star AusRAP rating.

“In relative terms, Hobart’s transport is the least affordable of all Australian cities and Launceston is the least affordable regional location in the nation – this needs to be addressed,” Ms Pennicott said.

“We’re asking Government to tackle the issue of Tasmania having the highest fuel costs by making it mandatory to report their prices in real time.”