Birralee Road, between Westbury and Frankford, will undergo a $24 million upgrade to improve the state's freight connections as part of the federal government's Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The Liberal-National coalition has committed $530 million to upgrade key Tasmanian freight corridors, with the Bass Highway and between Hobart and Sorell set as priorities to better connect industry to markets and reduce congestion, Deputy Prime Minister and Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack said.
"ROSI funding will address pinch points and other impediments to freight movements across the state to improve travel times and reduce freight costs, providing a significant boost to the Tasmanian economy," Mr McCormack said.
"Ultimately, these upgrades will promote growth opportunities for Tasmania's world-famous primary producers by ensuring cost-effective access to industry and markets."
Other upgrades included in this initiative are:
- $130 million for the Hobart to Sorell corridor
- $25 million in additional funding for Murchison Highway upgrades
- $16 million for the Old Surrey Road/Massy-Greene Drive freight route upgrade
- $15 million for the Lyell Highway Upgrade from Queenstown to Strahan.
"This is a fantastic investment for Tasmania, with the funding package designed to improve freight connectivity to Tasmania's ports, support regional development and ensure safety for all road users," Mr McCormack said.
Infrastructure Minister Jeremy Rockliff said this investment in the state's freight corridors was crucial for growth and prosperity.
"Our investment will improve travel times and reduce congestion for all road users," Mr Rockliff said.
This investment will be boosted to $4.5 billion nationally in the upcoming federal Budget, which "ensures the nation's key freight roads efficiently connect agricultural and mining regions to ports, airports and other transport hubs", he said.
The Birralee Road upgrade is included in the next suite of priority projects.