Inspection of Midland Highway upgrades

Minister for Major Projects Paul Fletcher today joined Federal Member for Lyons Eric Hutchinson for an inspection of works on the Midland Highway from Launceston to Hobart.  The works are part of the $500 million Midland Highway 10 Year Action Plan.

Mr Fletcher said the Australian Government has committed $400 million and the Tasmanian Government $100 million over 10 years to upgrade the Midland Highway to deliver a safer north-south connection for all road users.

“The Midland Highway upgrade is key to enhancing safety and freight efficiency and connectivity between the south and north of Tasmania,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The Australian Government is working closely with the Tasmanian Government to bring the full length of the Highway up to a minimum 3 star AusRAP safety rating.

“Works will also facilitate a forecast 70 per cent increase of freight movements and 40 per cent increase of passenger movements by 2030.”

Mr Hutchinson said the Midland Highway tour took in the Perth to Breadalbane Duplication, White Lagoon to Mona Vale Road and the South of Tunbridge upgrade.

“The Midland Highway 10 Year Action Plan is a package including up to 30 individual construction projects over the length of the Midland, of which six are already complete,” Mr Hutchinson said.

“Early works, including fencing new property boundaries, began earlier this week on the $61.8 million Perth to Breadalbane project. Major construction will upgrade 4.5 kilometres of the highway to four lanes to support additional capacity, improved safety and transport efficiency.

“In partnership with the Tasmanian Government, we are getting on with the job of making the Midland Highway safer for all Tasmanians and visitors.”

For more information on the Midland Highway 10 Year Action Plan visit www.midlandhighway.tas.gov.au.