Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Early preparation works have begun on the Hobart Airport Interchange, which is the next step towards improving safety and travel time reliability on the Tasman Highway.
These essential works include vegetation clearing, establishment of a site office, fencing, service relocation and ground improvement works, and must be completed before construction of the interchange.
This important project is being funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments, and will reduce congestion and travel time for commuters.
Tasmanian firm Hazell Bros was awarded the tender in November 2019 on the basis of an alternative tendered design. A development application for the new design is with Clarence City Council for approval, but on-site works can commence under a previous DA in the meantime.
The new design is similar to the design of the Huon Highway/Summerleas Road interchange upgrade project at Kingston. It will lift the Tasman Highway over Kennedy Drive and Holyman Avenue, allowing traffic on the highway to travel through the intersection, which will reduce delays and improve access to and from the Hobart Airport.
This project involves a total replacement of the current roundabout, which was recently widened to double lanes as an initial upgrade, with an entirely new grade-separated interchange that lifts the highway above the intersection. Our new design means highway traffic can flow completely uninterrupted.
During the early preparation works, speed limit reductions will be in place during working hours – 7am to 5pm, and there will be temporary single-lane closures outside of peak travel times. I’m advised road users should allow additional travel time of about 10 minutes.
The timeframe for delivery of this significant project remains unchanged, with preparation works expected to be completed before spring, and completion of the project in mid-2022.
Images and video:
- https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0009/245295/View_from_Sorell.pdf
- https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0008/245294/view_from_Hobart.pdf
- https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0010/245296/View_of_overpass_from_roundabouts.pdf
- https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0011/245297/General_overview.pdf
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xM0qLRn2Ykc&feature=youtu.be
