Road safety upgrades set to ramp up across northern Tasmania

Works to upgrade the Frankford Road and Chapel Road junction in Harford, Tasmania will commence this week. 

This project that will help improve safety and reduce the risk of crashes at the junction is part of the recent $27.5 million joint investment by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments, delivered under the national Road Safety Program. 

The existing junction will be transformed into a standard T-junction and road widening works will be carried out to allow road users to pass vehicles turning right from Chapel Road onto Frankford Road. This project is expected to be completed in May 2025. 

“Nothing is more important that ensuring people who travel on Australia’s regional road network get home safely each time they travel. 

“That’s why we’re backing this $27.5 million investment to make the Frankford Road and Chapel Road junction safer for locals and visitors to this part of Tassie. 

“Through projects such as this one, we’re working with the Tasmanian Government to help keep everyone safe on the state’s roads,” Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development Anthony Chisholm said. 

Safety upgrades will also be delivered to the junction of Pipers River Road and Waddles Road in Karoola through the same program., with the works anticipated to be completed in early March 2025. 

Temporary traffic changes will be in place during the Frankford Road and Chapel Road junction upgrade, including reduced speed limits and occasional lane closures during the 7am to 6pm working hours. 

Road users are asked to allow 15 minutes extra travel time and to follow the directions of traffic controllers and signs. 

“The Australian Government is committed to improving road safety and significantly reducing the number of road deaths and serious injuries on our roads. 

“While our government continues to prioritise road safety, I encourage all drivers to do their bit by driving to the conditions, slowing down, putting on a seatbelt, taking a break when you’re tired, and avoiding distractions,” Senator for Tasmania Anne Urquhart said. 

“The upcoming junction upgrades demonstrate our commitment to improving safety for road users and reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. 

“We also look forward to starting work on the remaining junction upgrades included under the program, such as the Pipers River Road and Waddles Road junction in Karoola, which we expect to start in March this year. 

“Feedback from local communities and other key stakeholders has been a key focus in identifying the improvements for each junction, and we’ve balanced that with ensuring the best road safety outcomes are achieved,” TAS Minister for Infrastructure Kerry Vincent said. 

Source: Assistant Minister for Regional Development; Premier of Tasmania – Latest News; Tasmanian Government – Transport Services (1, 2)