The biggest stage of the Midland Highway upgrade will get under way two years earlier than expected after the federal and state governments announced that construction of the Perth Link Roads project would begin in 2017.
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The $120 million project will connect upgrades currently taking place between Perth and Breadalbane and Perth and Symmons Plains, and is expected to go to tender midway through this year.
Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Darren Chester said the new starting date meant the project would be completed by 2020.
“We know that better, safer roads changes lives and saves lives, so bringing the Perth Link Roads project forward will have an enormous impact on everyday motorists as well as Tasmania’s freight industry,” Mr Chester said.
“Removing heavy vehicles from the centre of Perth, but still ensuring the town can be accessed from both the north and the south, means the main street will be safer for pedestrians and freight operators can save time.”
Mr Chester said the Midland Highway upgrade was progressing nicely, with projects in Kempton, Tunbridge and Bagdad expected to be completed in the coming months.
“This is a massive project which will improve connectivity between the South and North of Tasmania and aims to achieve a 3 star AusRAP safety rating standard along its entire length.
“The end result is better infrastructure for the state’s various industries and job security for thousands of people.”
Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding said the Midland Highway upgrade was already delivering plenty of benefits for Tasmanians.
“A project of this size and cost will result in millions being injected back into the economy with numerous flow-on benefits for local businesses,” Mr Hidding said.
“Its completion will also increase the productivity of our freight industry by allowing greater volumes of freight between Hobart and the state’s North per day.”
Mr Hidding said the upgrade would also deliver a safer road for motorists.
“We are already realising the safety benefits of the upgrade with the central wire rope barrier installed on one of the first projects delivered, preventing a potentially fatal outcome from a recent crash.”
Designs for the Perth Link Roads project will be available for viewing in Perth and on the Midland Highway website on March 18.
Hamish Geale
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
Hamish Geale is a senior reporter at The Examiner. Got good news? Email: hgeale@examiner.com.au
