Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Barnaby Joyce,Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development
VEC Civil Engineering has been awarded a $9 million contract to deliver upgrades at Table Cape in Tasmania’s North West, paving the way for work to commence.
The section of works forms part of the $100 million Bass Highway Wynyard to Marrawah Corridor Strategy, which is jointly funded by the Australian ($60 million) and Tasmanian ($40 million).
The work will involve realigning the Bass Highway between Baulds Road and Tollymore Road to improve sub-standard curves, while a two-metre-wide shoulder will be added to enhance safety for cyclists who use this section of the highway, as part of the popular Table Cape cycling route.
The project will also see safety upgrades to the highway’s junction with Tollymore Road.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said this section of the highway is a key link for freight route.
“This section of the Bass Highway is a vital route for vehicles travelling between the far north west of Tasmania and the key ports of Burnie and Devonport and also further to Launceston and Hobart,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“On average, more than 5,000 vehicles travel this section of highway each day, of which 14.8 per cent are heavy vehicles. The upgrades will address identified safety risks, reducing the potential for crashes.
“This is just one example of our Government’s record $110 billion infrastructure plan in action. We’ll continue to deliver the road upgrades motorists and freight operators need to keep moving safely and efficiently.”
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said as well as the Tollymore project, works will be completed next month on the junctions of Gates Road and Dallas Road with an overtaking lane incorporated on the east-bound lane at Rocky Cape.
“The Mella Road and Myalla Road junction improvements will also be completed with dual overtaking lanes established at Monateric Road at Wiltshire,” Minister Ferguson said.
“A number of projects to improve safety and efficiency have also now been completed at Brittons Swamp and Togari and near Boat Harbour Primary School.
“Improvements are being rolled out right across Tasmania delivering much-needed road upgrades while also providing a boost to local jobs and the economy.”
