Consultation is now underway on proposed upgrades the West Tamar Highway in Tasmania and the local community is encouraged to have their say on the proposed works that will improve connectivity and safety between West Tamar communities and Launceston.
Feedback from the community is going to be used to create a Corridor Improvement Plan that will help guide investment over the next two decades in the West Tamar Highway between Launceston CBD and north of Legana.
The corridor study on West Tamar Highway supports the Tasmanian Government’s plan to improve traffic flow as well as safety in Launceston and the Tamar Valley.
The State Government is investing $84 million to deliver upgrades to the East and West Tamar Highways and this significant investment builds on the Australian Government’s $16 million funding commitment to the West Tamar Highway.
Through the joint fundings, a $100 million targeted upgrades package for both sides of the highway will be delivered. The targeted upgrades will include lane separation, junction upgrades and overtaking lanes as well as integration of the new Tamar River Bridge.
To date, the Tasmanian Government has delivered $1.5 million worth of cycling facilities between Launceston and Legana along with major upgrades to the West Tamar Highway north of Legana.
Further improvements that have been proposed include intersection upgrades, road duplication and shoulder widening as well as reviews of traffic signal operations, bus services and speed limits.
“It has been important to me to hear from individuals and groups in the area about what they think is needed and this consultation is another valuable part of the process,” Federal Member for Bass Bridget Archer said.
The consultation period will end on 18th August 2021 and the Community Consultation Summary and Corridor Improvement Plan will be released in October.
More information on the proposed project and consultation can be found here.
Source: Premier of Tasmania – News; Tasmanian Government – Transport Services