The Government is delivering the road infrastructure Tasmania needs, with $25 million committed from the State for targeted improvements along the corridor, and the Australian Government committing a further $2.5 million toward the planning of projects.
This investment will upgrade the route and provide a safe and reliable journey for road users travelling to Cradle Mountain from Devonport, and will require co-funding from the Federal Government on the well-established 80:20 funding ratio.
Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Kerry Vincent, said the strategy provided an evidence-based list of improvement opportunities to support future growth.
"As one of Tasmania's must-see tourism destinations, upgrading the journey to Cradle Mountain is an important investment in keeping all road users safe," Minister Vincent said.
"A major factor in the strategy is catering to the growing number of visitors to the iconic landmark.
"Every year, hundreds of thousands of people make the trip, and we are delivering the infrastructure needed to support this growing popularity.
"It's also a key route supporting our vital agricultural sector and the many farms that line it.
"Our corridor strategies outline a pipeline of economy-building work, creating jobs for our civil construction sector."
Improvement opportunities identified in the strategy include:
- new pull-out areas at specific locations to support slow-moving road users;
- wider lanes and sealed or line marked road shoulders;
- speed limit reviews in locations with higher crash rates;
- upgrades to active transport infrastructure; and
- safety barriers and new hazard and warning signage at target locations.
"We must take a short, medium and long term view to the planning and funding priority infrastructure upgrades, so they remain safe, sustainable and importantly reliable," Ms Hills said.
"Cradle is one of Tasmania's icons, and with the fast approaching start date of our two new Spirit of Tasmania vessels, we simply must get on with making these vital improvements to our road infrastructure.
"Industry looks forward to working with the State and Federal Governments to ensure the funding its allocated as soon as possible to these critical improvements."
Minister Vincent said the strategy also identified opportunities to strengthen and rebuild Cradle Mountain Road and Dove Lake Road, between the entry to the National Park and Dove Lake.
"This work will improve the short- and medium-term reliability of this stretch of road built through one of the world's great wildernesses," Minster Vincent said.
"This Liberal Government is delivering for Tasmanians by ensuring our roads and highways are fit for the future and can support the industries which rely on them."
The strategy can be viewed on the Transport website.
