Work on two projects to improve the Bass Highway between Wynyard and Marrawah are now underway.
The two projects, near Boat Harbour and Sisters Creek, continue the delivery of the $100 million Bass Highway – Wynyard to Marrawah Corridor Strategy.
The strategy is part of the broader $280 million Bass Highway 10 Year Action Plan for the highway stretching from Launceston to Marrawah, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said the funding commitment is another example of the Australian Government’s record $110 billion infrastructure investment plan in action.
“The Bass Highway is a key link for freight, tourism and people movement between the far North West of Tasmania and the key ports of Burnie and Devonport, and further to Launceston and Hobart,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.
“The Wynyard to Marrawah upgrade strategy, along with strategies for the Cooee to Wynyard and Launceston to Devonport sections, will improve traffic flow and safety on this vital route.
“Our investment will help to better connect communities, while creating jobs and supporting our economic recovery.”
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said plans for Wynyard to Marrawah include new overtaking lanes, junction upgrades and safety improvements, to make the road safer, improve travel time, and support growth by providing a quality transport corridor.
“The Gates Road junction improvement project commenced on 14 September 2021. It will improve safety at the junction of the Bass Highway and Gates Road at Boat Harbour,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Works include the installation of a dedicated right-turn lane for vehicles entering Gates Road from the east, and a left-turn lane for vehicles entering Gates Road from the west.
“The Myalla Road junction upgrade at Sisters Creek will start on Monday, 20 September 2021.
“Works include the realignment of the highway to improve sub-standard curves and a safety upgrade to the junction of the Bass Highway and Myalla Road.
“The start of construction on these two projects follows the completion of two earlier projects at Boat Harbour and Brittons Swamp.
“Another four projects are in the design stage with construction to start later in 2021 and tenders are currently being assessed for two more projects.”
