Works on Tasman Hwy causeways duplication & new bridge to begin soon

The duplication of the Tasman Highway causeways as well as the construction of a new bridge are now fully funded after the Australian Government commits $150 million and the Tasmanian Government adding $37 million to deliver these South East Traffic Solution projects. 

“The Australian Government continues to roll out these types of nation-building projects across Australia under our $110 billion infrastructure investment program, which is laying the foundations for economic recovery following COVID-19,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

The projects will include duplicating the Tasman Highway causeways to provide two lanes in each direction, construction of an additional bridge adjacent the McGees Bridge and a new 2.5-metre-wide shared pathway. 

Once completed, motorists will be able to pass through a four-lane highway between Hobart and Sorell. 

Environmental investigations, design and community consultation will continue to progress throughout 2021, with construction expected to commence in 2023 and completed in 2025. 

These projects are part of the South East Traffic Solution that is aimed at improving travel time as well as provide a safer and more efficient road network. 

“The South East Traffic Solution is jointly funded by the Tasmanian and Australian governments as part of the Roads of Strategic Importance program. 

“It consists of a suite of improvements on the Tasman Highway between Hobart Airport and Sorell, as well as on the Arthur Highway, south of Iron Creek Bridge. 

“This is another part of our plan to improve safety and travel time reliability on our roads for Tasmanians and visitors,” Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said. 

The South East Traffic Solution consists of: 

• Arthur Highway Overtaking Lane - an overtaking lane on the Arthur Highway, south of Iron Creek Bridge 
• Midway Point Intersection Solution – replacing the roundabout with a signalised intersection 
• Sorell Southern Bypass – a bypass between the Tasman Highway near the Giblin Drive intersection and the Arthur Highway new Nugent Road 
• Duplication of Midway Point and Sorell causeways – widening of both causeways and duplicate McGees Bridge 
• Tasman Highway: Hobart Airport to Western causeway – turning facilities and two further lanes linking the first causeway with the new Hobart Airport Interchange 
• Hobart Airport Interchange Upgrade – replacing the roundabout with a new interchange 

“This is a route which is beyond its current capacity and causes traffic to frequently come to a standstill around peak times. With the area continuing to grow and attract more families, it’s vital that we invest now to provide a highway which reduces the amount of time families in Sorell and the Southern Beaches spend sitting in traffic. 

“This is a critical piece of work for the future of the region and that’s why the Morrison Government is investing $150 million for the duplication of the causeways on top of our existing investment in the full Sorell traffic corridor upgrade,” Senator for Tasmania Claire Chandler said. 

Preliminary works are set to begin in the coming weeks and major construction on the first component will commence in early 2021. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Tasmanian Government – Transport Services (1, 2)