Designs revealed for next stages of Illawarra Road Upgrades TAS

Designs have been unveiled for the next two stages of the ongoing Illawarra Road Upgrades in Tasmania and the community is encouraged to have their say on these designs. 

The joint $80 million projects are being delivered as part of the Tasmanian Government’s 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future, which aims to make roads across the State safer and more efficient. 

“Our Government is rebuilding roads and bridges right across Tasmania as part of our $1.9 billion infrastructure agenda, backing in our vital civil construction industry, and backing the jobs it employs. 

“We value the public input as part of this process and encourage Tasmanians to view the designs and provide feedback,” Minister for Infrastructure Kerry Vincent said. 

The next stages of the Illawarra Road Upgrades will include Stage 2A from Bishopsbourne Road to the Meander Valley Council municipal boundary and Stage 3 from Pateena Road to the southern side of the South Esk River Bridge. 

Planned improvements to be delivered in Stage 2A include: 

• An overtaking lane northbound to the Bass Highway 

• Road widening to allow for the installation of flexible safety barriers 

• Upgrading some existing property accesses to improve safety 

• Dedicated turning areas to enable vehicles to turn around 

Illawarra Road Upgrade stages (source: Transport Services)

Proposed works for Stage 3, on the other hand, include: 

• Road widening between Pateena Road and the bridge over the South Esk River 

• Installing flexible safety barriers in the middle of the road 

• Providing an underpass crossing for established rural businesses in the area 

• Closing some property accesses that are no longer needed 

• A shared user path, which will extend the existing pathway from Pateena Road towards Longford by 1.25 kilometres 

The community is invited to view the designs at the Northern Midlands Council offices in Smith Street, Longford until 16 December 2024. The designs and more information on the Illawarra Road Upgrades can also be found on the Transport Services website. 

Source: Premier of Tasmania – Latest News; Tasmanian Government – Transport Services