The project will allow for more efficient freight operations in Tasmania
A $6.2 million contract has been awarded to complete the first stage of the $80 million upgrade of Illawarra Road in Tasmania.
Illawarra Road is a key freight link between the Midland and Bass Highways, with Tasmanian company Gradco given the contract to complete the works.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments under the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative, which aims to improve productivity and efficiency on key freight networks.
The Federal government says stage one will widen the lines and shoulders of Illawarra Road between the Longford roundabout and Bishopsbourne Road to improve safety at the Bishopsbourne Road intersection.
The result will be a more efficient freight network throughout the state of Tasmania for transport companies to keep the supply chain flowing.
“These upgrades will provide a shorter, more attractive route for freight vehicles travelling between the north and south of the state,” deputy PM Barnaby Joyce says.
“The works will bring the road’s design up to the same standard as the Bass and Midland highways, with two heavy vehicle driver rest areas also being developed near the Longford roundabout.
“Nationwide we are investing in projects like this to help connect regional businesses to local and international markets and better link up regional communities.”
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The Tasmanian government says the works will increase the productivity and efficiency for freight operators while also improving the safety of the region.
“Improvements will include road widening, new overtaking opportunities, installation of flexible safety barriers to protect against head-on collisions and a heavy vehicle driver rest stop,” Tasmanian transport minister Michael Ferguson says.
The first stage of work is expected to be completed this year, with construction of the full project expected to be complete by late 2023.