Over 50 per cent of planned safety upgrades on the Midland Highway have now been completed.
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Federal Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack said the upgrades would achieve a minimum 3 star AusRAP safety rating.
"16 Midland Highway Action Plan projects have been complete since works began in 2014," Mr McCormack said.
Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said the highway upgrade was actually ahead of schedule, with three major projects recently completed at Mangalore to Bagdad, York Plains to St Peters Pass and Epping Forest to Powranna.
"These combined projects represent $75 million worth of upgrades and included shoulder widening, junction improvements and turning facilities, delivering vital safety benefits to the community," Mr Ferguson said.
"In addition, two projects are currently under construction, with works on St Peters Pass to South of Tunbridge due for completion by early 2020 and the Perth Link Roads project due for completion in 2020."
Mr Ferguson said he appreciated the patience of the public as road works are undertaken on the highway.
"We ask people to factor in the extra travel time because the end goal will be worth the wait - a safer and more efficient travel route," Mr Ferguson said.
Tasmanian Liberal senator Claire Chandler said the newly completed projects installed flexible safety barriers, additional overtaking lanes, removed roadside hazards, realigned tight curves and created new rest areas.
"These upgrades will make the highway a safer and more pleasant drive for the many locals and tourists who use the highway to get to work, visit relatives, or explore our beautiful state," Senator Chandler said.
"The Midland Highway is also a vital freight corridor, and reduced travel times will boost the state's economic growth through freight efficiencies."
The $500 million Midland Highway upgrade project is jointly funded with the Australian government committing $400 million and the Tasmanian government committing $100 million.