A $100 million program of works that will further improve freight access across Tasmania’s state road network is getting underway.
The Freight Capacity Upgrade Program will help increase freight capacity on critical and regional routes in Tasmania by delivering works that will strengthen or replace various bridges as well as improve sections of roads.
This program is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments, each contributing $80 million and $20 million respectively.
“The Australian Government is committed to improving road safety and freight efficiency, and this investment will ease congested roads while also creating opportunities for Tasmanians.
“Our funding, by helping continue this successful economic productivity initiative for the next five years, is key to ensuring Tasmania’s road network is as safe and as efficient as possible,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said.
The first stage of the program will include strengthening 11 bridges, replacing two bridges and delivering improvement works at 14 sites.
Once works are completed, about 224 kilometres will have been added to state roads that are approved for access by Higher Mass Limit vehicles.
Delivering these works will greatly assist freight operators in planning for the future and give them confidence to expand operations.
The program will also help extend the lifespan of the State’s critical and regional freight routes and improve access for heavy vehicles while providing benefits for Tasmania’s agriculture, resources and manufacturing industries.
In addition, the Freight Capacity Upgrade Program will help drive down long-term maintenance costs to the State.
“The Freight Capacity Upgrade Program not only enhances the productivity of Tasmanian freight, but also increases efficiency and road safety.
“This investment in Tasmania is great news for our community and will back local jobs while also supporting our freight industry,” Tasmanian Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said.
Works are already underway on a handful of road strengthening projects and tenders have recently closed for the strengthening of the Pipers River Bridge on Bridport Road in the north-east and Ring River Bridge on the Murchison Highway on the west coast.
The program is estimated to create up to 190 jobs during the construction phase, with opportunities for Indigenous employment and supplier-use target of 4.5 per cent.
Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Tasmanian Government – Transport Services