The local community is urged to provide feedback on the proposed alignments for the duplication of the Midway Point – which includes McGee’s Bridge – as well as Sorell causeways in Tasmania.
Public consultation will proceed while improvement works continue along the Tasman Highway between Hobart and Sorell.
The causeway duplications are part of six projects that will improve safety and will provide a more reliable commute between Hobart CBD and the rapidly growing residential areas in Sorell and the Southern Beaches.
“Infrastructure projects such as this one are helping to connect communities and improve road safety.
“Under our $4.9 billion nationwide Roads to Strategic Importance initiative, we are delivering upgrades to priority locations between Hobart Airport and Southern Sorell under the Hobart to Sorell Corridor.
“Our investment will reduce travel time and deliver a safer, more reliable transport solution for commuters and visitors travelling to and from Hobart,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said.
The $187 million causeways duplication project is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments, each contributing $150 million and $37 million respectively.
The duplications are also part of the $350 million South-East Traffic Solution that is jointly funded by the Australian and State Governments as well.
The multi-million-dollar duplication project will increase the number of lanes to four, two in each direction, along with the construction of a new bridge to the north of McGee’s Bridge.
“Both upgrades will also include shared walking and cycling paths, and access for recreational fishing will also be retained on McGee’s Bridge.
“The Pittwater and Orielton Lagoon is a sensitive ecosystem and the design and construction will consider the appropriate management to minimise impacts on the environmental values,” Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said.
Environmental studies for the projects are due for completion in mid-2022. The studies will help provide more information on the project’s impact on the threatened live bearing seastar, migratory shorebirds as well as the Pitt Water and Orielton Lagoon.
Construction of the two duplication projects is expected to commence in 2023 and be completed in 2025, subject to the granting of necessary environmental and planning approvals.
The South East Traffic Solution is progressing well with the delivery of an overtaking lane on the Arthur Highway already completed and construction on the new Hobart Airport Interchange, Sorell Southern Bypass and Midway Point Intersection Solution to be finished this year.
According to Senator for Tasmania Claire Chandler, the causeway duplications complement other infrastructure projects in the region.
“We’re also delivering $20 million towards the $25 million Sorell Southern Bypass project, which is set to finish this year.
“Once completed, the bypass will improve travel times for people travelling to and from the Southern Beaches and Tasman Peninsula,” Senator Chandler said.
On the other hand, the $46.5 million Hobart Airport Interchange projects – where the Australian Government has committed $37.1 million – is due to be completed in mid-2022.
“The Australian Government is delivering $3.8 billion for infrastructure improvements across Tasmania, supporting local jobs and boosting the state’s economy.
“The Australian Government will continue to invest in and deliver the road infrastructure projects that matter to locals, tourists, businesses and freight operators,” Assistant Minister for Industry Development and Senator for Tasmania Jonno Duniam said.
The concepts for the Midway Point and Sorell causeways duplication are available for public viewing through the Transport Services website, and feedback can be provided from 28th February to 18th March 2022.
Source: Premier of Tasmania – News; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Tasmanian Government – Transport Services