Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Traffic flow and safety on the East Derwent Highway is being improved, with work starting on the duplication of the highway between Golf Links Road and Sugarloaf Road.
This is part of the Tasmanian Liberal Government's massive program of road and bridges infrastructure work that is improvement our road network, boosting construction and supporting local jobs as we secure Tasmania's future.
The project is partly funded through the Tasmanian Government's $40 million commitment to road and bridge funding under our COVID-19 economic stimulus package.
Tasmanian company Andrew Walter Constructions started work this week on the project, which will widen the highway to two lanes in each direction.
This will create a consistent dual carriageway from the Tasman Bridge off ramp at Rose Bay to Grass Tree Hill Road roundabout at Risdon Vale, reducing delays caused by merging traffic, and making journeys safer and travel times more predictable.
The dual lanes will also make it easier and safer to turn left into Lindisfarne North Primary School by removing the need for vehicles to merge at the school entry, and lengthening the entry lane into the school.
Safety will be improved at the current intersection with Clinton Road and Geilston Bay Road through a new signalised intersection, and realigning Dumbarton Drive and Clinton Road.
The new intersection will provide access to a new, safer alternative route to the school for those travelling from the north. It will also reduce the number of cars turning into the school directly from East Derwent Highway.
Children will be able to walk or cycle to school in greater safety through the installation of a shared pathway on the school side of the highway, and a safety fence to ensure pedestrians cross at controlled points.
The project, which fulfils an election commitment, is expected to be completed by mid-2022.
Designs can be found at https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/projectsplanning/road_projects
