The Tasmanian Liberal Government is building safer and more efficient roads all around Tasmania as part of the 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.
Work is progressing on the next projects under the $365 million upgrade of the Tasman Highway between Sorell and Hobart, with public consultation periods coming up.
Minister for Infrastructure, Kerry Vincent, said technical investigations and design work was progressing on duplication of the Midway Point and Sorell causeways under the South East Traffic Solution, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments.
“We will be seeking the public’s views on designs for the causeways early next year,” Mr Vincent said.
“At the same time, we are seeking environmental approvals from the Australian Government and monitoring temporary habitats for the protected Tasmanian Live-bearing Seastars found in the area.
“Based on extensive scientific work done to date, we now know it is possible to move the seastars to safe areas during construction and return them after the upgrade is completed.
“Construction will start once all environmental and planning approvals are obtained and the seastars are successfully settled in their temporary home. We are working towards completing the design by mid-2025 so tenders for construction can be invited as soon as regulatory approvals are received.”
Mr Vincent said work was also progressing on another major project, duplication of the highway between the Hobart Airport Interchange and Midway Point causeway.
“Further documentation is being finalised for Australian Government environmental approval, and this will then also be released for public comment,” he said.
“Meanwhile, construction will start on a new park and ride facility at Midway Point in 2025, with tenders currently being sought for this important project.
“The South East Traffic Solution will help improve travel time reliability through a more efficient and safer road network between Hobart, Sorell and the Southern Beaches with the provision of an additional lane on the Tasman Highway in each direction and improved access to bus services, on completion of a Midway Point park and ride.
“Projects already completed include an overtaking lane on the Arthur Highway, the Sorell Southern Bypass, Midway Point Intersection Solution and the Hobart Airport Interchange.”
