The Ridgley Highway Corridor Strategy has been released today, identifying a range of priority improvements which will improve safety and efficiency on this key transport route.
The highway is a key transport link between Tasmania's northwest and west coast, connecting Burnie and the Murchison Highway, which is vital for mining, forestry and tourism.
The Corridor Strategy identified a crash record concentrated along the bends between Highclere and Hampshire as well as incidents at the Mount Street intersection near Burnie.
Narrow road cross sections, deteriorating road conditions and lack of separation between opposing traffic were identified as key challenges to address.
Based on the findings, improvement opportunities 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, and
safety barriers in targeted locations.
Several low-cost improvement opportunities have also been identified including improved signage and line marking.
The Australian Government has committed $27.2 million to upgrade the highway in partnership with the Tasmanian Government. Priority projects identified through the strategy will be designed and delivered in stages.
