Infrastructure contracts awarded as Government progresses West Tamar Highway upgrade project

Local contractors have rejoiced after being awarded a tender that is part of a $14 million plan to improve safety and cater for future development on one of the North’s major thoroughfares.

MAJOR road infrastructure upgrades along the West Tamar Highway are progressing with contracts for the first four priority projects awarded to Tasmania’s Hazel Bros Group.

The projects form part of a $14 million “six-point plan” to improve safety and cater for future development along the West Tamar Highway.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson said; “We have committed to improve the liveability of communities along this highway by making it safer, and improving travel time reliability to and from Launceston”.

Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson said the multimillion-dollar plan will help imrpove safety and cater for future development between Launceston and George Town. Picture: Patrick Gee

The contracts awarded to Hazel Bros include widening the highway and creating new footpaths between Rosevears Dr and Gravelly Beach Rd, widening Atkinsons Rd and Waldhorn Dr, widening the highway between Exeter and the Batman Hwy Junction and works to improve sight distances at the intersection of West Tamar Hwy and Motor Rd.

Mr Ferguson said the West Tamar Highway was the primary commuter road to Launceston for residents of several communities including Trevallyn, Riverside and Legana and an important tourist route.

After a period of low tender activity so far this year, Civil Contractors Federation Tasmanian president Hugh Maslin said progress with the West Tamar Highway upgrade was an encouraging sign that budgeted infrastructure funding is starting to flow into the sector.

Premier Peter Gutwein revealed a $1.8 billion “infrastructure blitz” to boost the state’s economy and construction industry on Wednesday including a $40 million road safety upgrade fund.

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Premier Peter Gutwein (centre) talks to Goulburn St Site Manager, Philip De Jong (left) and Elise Archer. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“We look forward to these projects beginning as soon as possible,” Mr Maslin said.

“Government has assured CCF that it is working extremely hard not only to allocate funding for infrastructure spending, but to ensure works can be brought to market quickly.”

Mr Maslin said recent data indicated that forward work under contract across CCF’s statewide membership had declined significantly over the past several months affecting businesses and impacting on confidence.

“The Infrastructure Tasmania pipeline of works remains behind schedule, highlighting the Achilles heel of many Tasmanian GBEs – their struggle to bring works to market effectively and expeditiously.”

CCF Tasmania CEO Rachael Matheson said the construction industry was well placed and ready to lead Tasmania through a post-COVID economic rebuild.

“The construction industry is a key driver of economic activity with almost $3 returning to the economy for every $1 spent on infrastructure and there is no time like now to harness this contribution as Tasmania rebuilds from COVID-19,” Ms Matheson said.

Mr Ferguson said the Government was “expediting procurement for 12 road construction projects under the COVID-19 Economic Support Package”.