Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Barnaby Joyce, Acting Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure and Regional Development and,Jonno Duniam, Senator for Tasmania
Construction of an intersection to improve safety at the junction of Huon Highway and Sandfly Road has been completed.
The $6.4 million project was jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments, with the Australian Government committing $5 million from its COVID-19 infrastructure stimulus package and the Tasmanian Government providing $1.4 million.
The new intersection incorporates feedback from extensive community consultation. It uses an elongated, wide median that keeps traffic entering, exiting or crossing the highway safely clear of through traffic while waiting for gaps. It can cater for buses and trucks up to 19 metres long.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the Australian Government is continuing to invest in Tasmania.
"The Australian Government's investment in this project is yet another example of our commitment to deliver the infrastructure Tasmanians need and deserve," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"This upgrade will ensure the smooth and safe flow of traffic and freight for many years to come."
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said the Tasmanian Government is improving safety and efficiency at the intersection, which has a poor crash history.
"A left turn slip lane has been added from Sandfly Road south onto the highway heading to Huonville. Vehicles will be able to turn left at the intersection and accelerate up the hill in their own lane making it a safer entry for drivers using the Highway," Minister Ferguson said.
"A new deceleration lane takes traffic slowing down to turn left into Sandfly Road towards Longley out of through-traffic on the Highway."
Senator for Tasmania Jonno Duniam said the upgrade would ensure the Huon Highway remains a vital and effective link to and from the Huon Valley.
"This key road connects major industry sectors such as tourism, forestry, aquaculture and agriculture with Hobart and beyond," Senator Duniam said.
The new intersection also includes measures to increase car parking and improve safety for pedestrians, including those using bus services along the highway, and cyclists.
Previous informal car parking has been replaced with a sealed car park for 12 cars including a disabled car space. A fenced footpath links it to both the southbound bus stop and to a pedestrian crossing to the northbound bus stop on the other side of the highway.
A dedicated crossing has also been provided for cyclists and lighting has been improved throughout the intersection.
