Joint Media Release: New Huon Highway overpass boosts safety at major intersection

Hobart motorists will have access to safer roads following the opening of the new Huon Highway overpass at Summerleas Road near Kingston.

Federal Minister for Urban Infrastructure and Cities Paul Fletcher said the Summerleas Road intersection had a history of crashes due to traffic crossing the highway and the opening of the overpass was a major milestone in ongoing efforts to improve safety on the key transport corridor.

“The Huon Highway connects the Huon Valley and major industries such as forestry, aquaculture and agriculture to central Hobart and other destinations so it’s very important that this vital connection is safe for motorists and fit for purpose,” Mr Fletcher said.

“The Summerleas Road intersection sits adjacent to Kingston, one of greater Hobart's highest growth residential areas, and links residential areas to commercial, education and other facilities.

“This is yet another example of how the Turnbull Government’s $1.1 billion investment in infrastructure in Tasmania is creating jobs and boosting economic growth and prosperity in the state.”

The project is jointly funded by the Turnbull and Hodgman Governments, with the Federal Government committing $17.5 million and the Tasmanian Government $4.5 million.

Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure Rene Hidding said highway traffic was now passing over where Summerleas Road would be located once the overall upgrade is completed mid-year.

“This ongoing project will improve safety for all who travel in the region as well as supporting hundreds of jobs,’ Mr Hidding said. 

“Now that motorists are using the new overpass, construction will begin on ramps and roundabouts underneath the structure. Installation of flexible safety barriers will also continue.

“Speed restrictions and altered traffic conditions will continue throughout the construction period, and we thank motorists for their patience while this vital infrastructure upgrade is delivered.”

Work on the project started in February 2017 and it is on schedule to be completed in mid-2018. For more information visit www.transport.tas.gov.au/road/projects.