$100m funding to deliver 12 bridge strengthening works across TAS

While strengthening works are being carried out to nine Tasmanian bridges, tenders have been opened for 12 more bridges this year as part of a $100 million upgrade program. 

The projects to upgrade Tasmania’s freight route are jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments under the five-year Freight Capacity Upgrade Program – each committing $80 million and $20 million respectively. 

“The Australian Government is committed to improving road safety and freight efficiency across Tasmania. 

“We know how important it is to deliver infrastructure that will ease congested roads while also creating opportunities for Tasmanians. 

“That is why we will continue to partner with the Tasmanian Government to deliver the Freight Capacity Upgrade Program,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

By strengthening or replacing bridges and improving sections of roads, this program of works will help increase freight capacity of critical and regional freight routes across the State. 

15 roads and bridge strengthening projects under the program have already been completed to date, including Pipers River Bridge as well as sections on the Bass, Midland, Lyell and Huon highways. 

A $2.2 million contract has been awarded to Fulton Hogan to advance strengthening works on nine bridges. 

“The 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. 

“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,” TAS Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent said. 

Six of the nine bridges are on the north west – at Argent River, Arthur River, Mole Creek, Leslie Station Creek, Don River and Pardoe Creek. 

Meanwhile, the other bridges are at Wellards Creek, Norforlk Creek and Allans Creek on the Arthur Highway in the State’s south east. 

Work at eight sites is now underway, with some nearing completion. Construction to strengthen the bridge at Leslie Station Creek, on the other hand, will begin this year. 

As part of the Freight Capacity Upgrade Program, a total of 35 bridges are currently planned to be strengthened and three to be replaced. 

“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. 

“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,” Senator for Tasmania Anne Urquhart said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Premier of Tasmania – Latest News; Roads & Infrastructure Australia