Vital upgrades to Ridgley Hwy in TAS a step closer to reality

Improved safety and efficiency on a key transport route in Tasmania is a step closer to reality, with the release of the Ridgley Highway Corridor Strategy.

Ridgley Highway is a key transport link between Tasmania’s northwest and west coast. This corridor also connects Burnie and the Murchison Highway, which is vital for mining, forestry and tourism.

The Corridor Strategy has identified a range of priority improvements as well as a crash records along the bends between Highclere and Hampshire, and incidents at the Mount Street intersection near Burnie.

“The vision for the Ridgley Highway over the next 20 years is to provide a safe, reliable, and consistent road environment for all road users.

“This corridor supports the movement of freight, and we are committed to delivering infrastructure projects which improve freight access, productivity and safety outcomes in Tasmania,” TAS Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kerry Vincent said.

Key challenges to address have also been identified, including narrow road cross sections, deteriorating road conditions, and lack of separation between opposing traffic.

Based on the findings, improvements could include:

• Passing opportunities including several climbing lanes to improve travel time reliability and safe overtaking opportunities
• Intersection improvements including left and right turn treatments for turning vehicles, particularly larger vehicles
• Improved connectivity for cyclists and pedestrians
• Improving the ability for heavy vehicles to operate safely along the corridor
• Road widening and realigning to improve turning and sight distances
• Safety barriers in targeted locations

A number of low-cost improvements have also been identified including improved signage and line marking.

“This investment will improve productivity and safety in Tasmania’s economic engine room in the north west and west coast.

“This is good for our communities and our economy.

“The Ridgley Highway Corridor Strategy gives us a blueprint for future infrastructure investment that will improve comfort and safety for road users and ensure critical agricultural, forestry and mining freight moves more safely and efficiently across the state,” Member for Braddon Anne Urquhart said.

Priority projects identified through the Ridgley Highway Corridor Strategy will be designed and constructed in stages.

The Australian Government has committed $27.2 million to deliver upgrades to Ridgley Highway, in partnership with the Tasmanian Government that has contributed $6.8 million.

“By identifying priorities for this essential corridor, the Australian Government is ensuring that our investment targets safety and efficiency improvements for the state’s northwest and west coast communities.

“We invest in corridors in this way to consider the feedback of Tasmanians and deliver staged upgrades to high-risk areas, delivering a safer, smoother driving experience,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said.

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Premier of Tasmania – Latest News; Tasmanian Government – Transport Services; Roads & Infrastructure Australia