The program to improve traffic flow and safety on the Tasman Highway between Sorell and Hobart has reached another major milestone, with the completion of the Midway Point Intersection Solution.
The project duplicated the Tasman Highway through Midway Point to provide two lanes in each direction and realigned Penna Road to create a new traffic signal-controlled intersection with the highway.
The Midway Point project is one of several funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments under the $349.5 million South East Traffic Solution.
Subject to environmental approvals, all Tasman Highway projects between Hobart Airport and Sorell will be completed by late 2026.
When completed, there will be consistent dual-lane carriageways in each direction between Sorell and Hobart city. It also includes upgrades to key intersections at Hobart Airport and Midway Point.
The completion of the Midway Point project follows the opening in July of the Sorell Southern Bypass, providing a more direct link between the Tasman and Arthur highways, and a new overpass at the Hobart Airport Interchange in May.
The remaining projects in the program are progressing through complex environmental investigations, approvals and design.
These include duplication of the two causeways either side of Midway Point and duplication of the highway between the Hobart Airport Interchange and the Midway Point causeway.
The design for the highway duplication between Hobart Airport and the western end of the Midway Point causeway is complete, with construction expected to start in late 2023 once the necessary approvals are obtained.
Initial community consultation on the alignment of the duplicated causeways took place in February, and approvals and further design work are progressing.
Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown:
"Today marks another major milestone in the delivery of the $350 million South East Traffic Solution.
"These investments will provide an efficient transport corridor that will allow the growing number of residents, visitors and freight movements to travel more safely."
Comments attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson:
"The Tasman Highway corridor is a critical road network for commuters, freight, and tourists.
"The Midway Point upgrade is already relieving pressure on the highway as more people commute between the rapidly growing Sorell and Southern Beaches region and Hobart to access jobs, education, training and other services."
Comments attributable to Federal Member for Lyons Brian Mitchell:
"The completion of the Midway Point Intersection Solution project will significantly improve safety and traffic flow through this busy area.
"This will greatly reduce the risk of crashes and provide more efficient traffic flow now and as the population grows."
