Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Public comment is invited on the proposed alignments for the duplication of the Midway Point (including McGees Bridge) and Sorell causeways, as improvements continue along the Tasman Highway between Hobart and Sorell.
The Australian Government has committed $150 million toward the $187 million project, with the Tasmanian Government providing the remaining $37 million.
Upgrading the causeways is part of the $350 million South-East Traffic Solution, jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments.
The duplications form part of a suite of six projects to provide improved safety and more reliable commute times between the Hobart CBD and the rapidly expanding residential areas of Sorell and the Southern Beaches.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development, Barnaby Joyce, said the Australian Government is delivering the infrastructure Tasmanians need and deserve.
"Infrastructure projects such as this one are helping to connect communities and improve road safety," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"Under our $4.9 billion nationwide Roads to Strategic Importance initiative, we are delivering upgrades to priority locations between Hobart Airport and Southern Sorell under the Hobart to Sorell Corridor.
"Our investments will reduce travel time and deliver a safer, more reliable transport solution for commuters and visitors travelling to and from Hobart."
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, Michael Ferguson, said the proposed Midway Point causeway upgrade includes a duplicated causeway and a new bridge to the north of McGee's Bridge, while the existing Sorell causeway would be widened to four traffic lanes.
"Both upgrades will also include shared walking and cycling paths, and access for recreational fishing will also be retained on McGee's Bridge," Minister Ferguson said.
"The Pittwater and Orielton Lagoon is a sensitive ecosystem and the design and construction will consider the appropriate management to minimise impacts on the environmental values."
The Tasmanian Government will be completing environmental studies by mid-2022 to better understand the project's impact on the threatened live-bearing seastar, migratory shorebirds, and the Pitt Water and Orielton Lagoon.
These studies and feedback from the public on the proposed alignments will be used in seeking environmental approvals and developing concept designs for the duplication, which will be released for public comment later this year.
Subject to achieving the necessary environmental and planning approvals, construction is scheduled to start in 2023 and be completed by 2025.
Delivery of the South East Traffic Solution is well advanced with an overtaking lane on the Arthur Highway completed and work on the new Hobart Airport Interchange, Sorell Southern Bypass and Midway Point Intersection Solution to be finished this year.
Senator for Tasmania, Claire Chandler, said the causeway alignment project complements other infrastructure projects in the region.
"We're also delivering $20 million towards the $25 million Sorell Southern Bypass project, which is set to finish this year," Senator Chandler said.
"Once completed, the bypass will improve travel times for people travelling to and from the Southern Beaches and Tasman Peninsula."
Assistant Minister for Industry Development and Senator for Tasmania, Jonno Duniam, said the $46.5 million Hobart Airport interchange project, for which the Australian Government has committed over $37.1 million in funding, is due for completion in mid-2022.
"The Australian Government is delivering $3.8 billion for infrastructure improvements across Tasmania, supporting local jobs and boosting the state's economy," Senator Duniam said.
"The Australian Government will continue to invest in and deliver the road infrastructure projects that matter to locals, tourists, businesses and freight operators."
The public can view the causeway duplication concepts for the two causeways and provide feedback from Monday, 28 February to Friday, 18 March 2022 by visiting the Transport website at www.transport.tas.gov.au/causeways
