Media release: Road upgrades for Bass

A re-elected Turnbull Government will invest $2.6 million in critical road upgrades in Bass to improve heavy vehicle links, reduce congestion and provide for pedestrian safety.

Nearly $2 million will go towards the construction of Bridport Western Access Road. This project will establish a new heavy vehicle link from the west to Bridport Road, providing better access to the industrial area and port at Bell Bay and to Launceston Airport. The new road will remove the need for trucks to drive through Bridport town centre and free-up land for new residential development.

The Turnbull Government will also contribute $400,000 towards improvements on Westbury Road to reduce congestion and aid the flow of traffic as it leaves or joins the Bass Highway. Up to $230,000 will be available for pedestrian safety improvements around Launceston General Hospital.

These projects have been a priority for the Member for Bass, Andrew Nikolic, and will increase public safety and improve traffic flows for commuters, tourists and transport operators. These projects have been identified by Dorset, Launceston and Meander Valley councils as priorities for the region.

Over the past three years, Mr Nikolic has delivered $140 million in road and rail investment in Bass as part of the Turnbull Government’s $929 million in Tasmanian infrastructure.

This includes the $400 million for the Midland Highway, $59.8 million for Freight Rail Revitalisation and $25.6 million towards the Brooker Highway.

The Turnbull Government is spending a record $50 billion on land transport infrastructure as part of our carefully structured economic plan to provide jobs and growth and a secure future for Australian families.