Progress is continuing on the South East Traffic Solution projects, with the final designs for key projects along the Hobart to Sorell Corridor released today.
The Federal Liberal and Nationals Government has approved $92.6 million in funding for three critical projects along the corridor, including upgrades on the Tasman Highway between the Hobart Airport and Western Causeway, the Midway Point intersection and a new Sorell Southern Bypass.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the projects, funded under the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative, would deliver significant improvements for commuters travelling between Hobart and Sorell.
"Sorell is one of the fastest growing areas of Hobart. Delivering these important road projects sooner, as part of the Government's $100 billion pipeline of infrastructure projects, will provide significant benefits for all road users along the Corridor," Mr McCormack said.
"The Hobart to Sorell Corridor was one of a number of commitments in Tasmania, which received an acceleration of funding in November 2019 to bring forward critical road projects to support jobs, strengthen the economy and get people home to their families sooner and safer.
"The acceleration of funding across a number of Tasmanian projects has boosted the State's economy by providing more jobs and supporting local industry."
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson welcomed the approval of funding and said designs had been refined following extensive stakeholder and community consultation to ensure the best outcome.
"The Tasmanian majority Liberal Government is committed to working with the Australian Government to deliver the infrastructure our growing state needs and ensure Tasmania remains the best place in Australia to live, work and raise a family," Mr Ferguson said.
"The South East Traffic Solution, including upgrades to the Hobart to Sorell Corridor, is a multi-project, short and medium-term vision, consisting of a suite of improvements on the Tasman Highway between the Airport and Sorell and on the Arthur Highway south of Iron Creek Bridge.
"These upgrades recognise the need to preserve the lifestyle attractions of Sorell and the southern beaches by improving travel time reliability and safety.
"Construction of the first South East Traffic Solution project, the Arthur Highway overtaking lane, is now complete. This project was fully funded by the Tasmanian Government and provides a new southeast-bound overtaking lane on the uphill section of the highway east of Iron Creek, along with U-turn facilities and safer bus stops.
"The next project under the South East Traffic Solution is the four-lane Hobart Airport Interchange, which is progressing with early works currently underway and construction to begin in the coming months, and due for completion mid-2022.
"Construction of the next projects to follow the Hobart Airport Interchange - the highway duplication from the Hobart Airport to the Western Causeway and the Midway Point Intersection solution - are expected to start towards the end of the year, with expected completion mid-2021.
"Planning is continuing on the duplication of the causeways. The duplication of the Western Causeways and McGees Bridge has been prioritised due to heavier traffic flow, and a design is expected to be made available to the community for feedback later this year."
Total Federal Government funding of $130 million for the Hobart to Sorell Corridor was announced in the 2019-20 Federal Budget, which includes the Government's commitment to the new Hobart Airport Interchange project.
The Hobart Airport Interchange will improve access to the Airport for Tasmanians and tourists, while also increasing traffic flow for commuters travelling to and from the eastern suburbs to the CBD.
Construction will begin on the Midway Point Intersection and duplication from Hobart Airport to the Western Causeway in late 2020.
The Australian and Tasmanian Governments have committed a total of $162.5 million to the upgrades along the Hobart to Sorell Corridor.
