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Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport

The Tasmanian Liberal Government is delivering on a strategy to improve rest area facilities for heavy vehicle drivers on the state’s key freight routes.

As part of this commitment, work will start this month on new rest facilities for truck drivers near the Howth weighbridge on the Bass Highway.

Tasmanian company Shaw Contracting has been awarded a $1.5 million contract to build the facilities. They will include provision for 15 heavy vehicle parking bays, toilets, lighting, water and shelter.

The new rest area is the first under the $5 million Heavy Vehicle Rest Area Strategy, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments.

The strategy was developed in close consultation with the Tasmanian freight industry. It sets out a plan for the upgrade of existing rest areas and building new facilities along key freight routes in Tasmania.

Tasmania’s freight and road transport systems underpin the state’s business activity and are key to its economic growth. Freight volumes are forecast to increase by 35 per cent over the next 20 years.

Providing infrastructure to support drivers is a key contribution to the industry’s efficient operations by helping them meet their needs for rest, breaks, and load and vehicle checks. The facilities will also support industry’s efforts to attract and retain the workforce needed for the future.

Other sites planned for new facilities this year include the East Tamar Highway near the Bridport Road junction, the Midland Highway at Pontville and on Glenstone Road at the Brighton Hub.

Designs are also well advanced for facilities on the Midland Highway at Kings Meadows, the Bass Highway at Forest Farm, and the Murchison Highway at Fossey River.