Jeremy Rockliff,Minister for Infrastructure
Tasmania has the strongest economy in the country and the 2019-20 State Budget delivers a record investment of over $1.6 billion to maintain this momentum and invest for further growth with the job-creating infrastructure our state needs.
The Hodgman Liberal Government is progressing work on providing a safer and more efficient freight network through the Freight Access Bridge Upgrade Program.
Now well into its second year, the $19 million statewide program includes strengthening a series of bridges on key freight routes that connect our ports, transport hubs and major industries.
The current program due for completion this month, involved strengthening seven bridges in the state’s north and north west.
The Freight Access Bridge Upgrade Program was developed together with industry and local government stakeholders to support the movement of freight around the state, ensuring our economy can continue to develop and grow.
Yesterday, tenders were called to strengthen an additional six bridges, with works expected to begin later this year.
This year bridges have been upgraded at several locations on Bass Highway: Oakleigh rail underpass at Burnie, Emu River bridge at Wivenhoe, two Formby Road underpasses at Devonport, Lovett Street underpass at Ulverstone and Meander Valley Road underpass at Travellers Rest.
On the Midland Highway, work is nearly complete on the Mount Pleasant Interchange underpass near Launceston.
Six bridges on key freight routes will be strengthened in the next round of projects, which are now out for tender.
In the north east this includes Pipers River bridge, crossing Pipers Brook, and Little Forester River flood opening, both on Bridport Road.
In the south, upgrades include Humphrey Rivulet bridge and Berriedale rail underpass on Brooker Highway, as well as North West Bay River bridge near Sandfly and Leslie Road underpass at Leslie Vale on Huon Highway.
