The $100 million upgrade of Tasmania’s freight routes is progressing well, with nine bridges in the Apple Isle currently undergoing strengthening works and tenders now open for a further 12.
The project has been funded by the federal and state governments in an 80:20 split and will increase the freight capacity of critical and regional freight routes all across the state.
15 road and bridge strengthening projects under the program have already been completed including Pipers River Bridge and sections on the Bass, Midland, Lyell and Huon highways.
Six of the nine bridges currently undergoing works are in the state’s north west, while the remaining three are in the southeast.
Of these nine confirmed projects Leslie Station Creek is the only one not currently underway with construction to commence later this year.
Tasmania Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent says improving the state’s road freight capacity depends on improving infrastructure at the key locations.
“This program is supporting Tasmania’s economic growth by increasing freight efficiency, enabling increased safe operating loads, and making travel times more predictable for freight operators,” Vincent says.
“It supports productivity by improving the roads freight vehicles travel on day to day.
“Repairing and strengthening these sections of road and bridges will also improve road safety for all road users and reduce maintenance costs.”
Senator for Tasmania Ann Urquhart outlined agriculture and manufacturing as two industries that stand to benefit most from the works.
“These much-needed bridge strengthening works will increase road and bridge network capability to increase freight productivity for critical state industries such as agriculture and manufacturing,” she says.
“The Australian government will continue to invest in infrastructure projects across Tasmania to ensure efficient and safer travel for truck and heavy vehicle freight well into the future.”
Current plans are for a total of 35 bridges to be strengthened and three replaced as part of the Freight Capacity Upgrade Program.
The eight bridges with works ongoing across the state are Argent River, Arthur River, Mole Creek, Don River, Pardoe Creek, Wellards Creek, Norfolk Creek and Allans Creek.
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