Upgrades to the Bass Highway between Deloraine and Devonport will not start until late 2023 and are not expected to be complete until late 2025, according to the federal Infrastructure Department.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
In response to questions on notice asked by Tasmanian Labor senator Helen Polley, it was revealed the contracts for the upgrades between Deloraine and Devonport would not be awarded until mid-2023, and not completed until late 2025.
The upgrades to the Bass Highway are aimed at improving safety for all road users, efficiency of the freight network, and supporting economic growth.
RACT, Tasmania's peak motoring body, had previously urged the government to "act quickly" to bring the highway up to an acceptable standard.
Lyons Labor MHR Brian Mitchell said the government was not quick enough to get critical infrastructure work started.
"Many more stretches along there should be either overtaking lanes or dual lanes," he said.
"We have seen how dangerous [the Bass Highway] can be."
The Examiner recently reported that all four fatal crashes and nine out of 12 serious collisions on the Bass Highway between Launceston and Devonport since mid-2019 had occurred on non-separated sections of the road.
In response to the questions on notice it was stated that if the government could indicate capacity to deliver road projects earlier, the funding for the works could be brought forward.
The government's corridor study between Launceston and Devonport - to identify potential improvements -was opened for community consultation earlier this month.
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said the final strategy and implementation plan were expected to be released in late 2021 with the first projects to be implemented in 2022.
"There are a number of different projects along the Highway from Launceston to Marrawah that are all in various stages," he said.
"We are seeking to identify priorities on the Bass Highway between the two existing dual carriageway sections (two lanes in each direction) at Hadspen on the outskirts of greater Launceston, and Devonport. Safety upgrades between Deloraine and Latrobe will be a key priority."
Braddon Liberal MHR Gavin Pearce said he was pleased to see the upgrades progressing to the next step.
What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor:
Dana Anderson
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
On a Friday night you may see me at the theatre, a festival, an exhibition, or in the corner of one of my favourite establishments reading a novel. So, it makes sense I am the arts and what's on reporter for The Examiner. To contact me about a story please send an email to dana.anderson@examiner.com.au
