Construction has commenced on the $92.3 million Perth Link Roads project in Tasmania, which is the single largest project as part of the 10-year $500 million Midland Highway Action Plan. Earlier this year, the joint venture between VEC Civil Engineering Pty Ltd and Shaw Contracting (Aust.) Pty Ltd has been named as the preferred builder for this project.
According to Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack, the project will help increase safety as well as reduce traffic noise and ease road congestion in this region.
“This project will improve safety and reduce traffic noise and congestion by diverting heavy vehicles and traffic from Perth town centre,” Mr McCormack said.
This project is set to deliver the final link to providing a dual carriageway along the Midland highway, from Launceston to the south of Perth.
Tasmanian Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Jeremy Rockliff said that the Perth Link Roads project is vital in improving safety on the highway to a minimum 3-star AusRAP safety rating.
“This enormous project will deliver real safety and efficiency benefits for commuters, as well as taking heavy freight trucks out of the centre of the Perth township.
“It will also result in millions being injected back into the economy with numerous flow-on benefits for local businesses, while supporting an estimated 166 direct and 25 indirect jobs during construction,” Mr Rockliff said.
This project will also include a dedicated shared path, improving cyclist and pedestrian connections between Longford and Breadalbane.
Detailed design for this project is now underway, with early works commencing on site.
“The community will love this project because it will deliver safety and amenity benefits for the community, including landscaping at the entrance to Perth, that will encourage tourism,” Liberal Senator for Tasmania David Bushby said.
The Perth Link Roads project is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments, each committing $83.1 million and $9.2 million respectively.
Major construction activities on the Perth Link Roads project is expected to begin in late 2018 and completed by mid-2021.
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Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Midland Highway 10 Year Action Plan (1, 2); VEC Civil Engineering