A range of infrastructure upgrades are set to increase the freight capacity of critical and regional freight routes across the Apple Isle.
Under the $100 million Freight Capacity Upgrade Program, various bridges will be strengthened or replaced, along with improving sections of roads.
A strengthening project will be undertaken on the Charles Street bridge in Launceston. This will involve critical work to bolster the key bridge in Tasmania’s metropolitan road network – as the first stage of the jointly funded program gets underway.
The Australian Government has committed $80 million to the program, with the Tasmanian Government set to contribute $20 million.
Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm said, “We are proud to partner with the Tasmanian Government to deliver the Freight Capacity Upgrade Program, which over the life of the program, will open up to 224km of state road and bridge network capability to increase freight productivity for critical state industries such as agriculture and manufacturing.
“This is among the first of many projects to come that will prove a game-changer in terms of building a safer, more productive transport network benefiting all Tasmanian road users.”
Charles Street Bridge is among 11 bridges to undergo strengthening during stage one, which will also see two other bridges replaced, and road improvement works carried out at 14 other sites.
“This investment in the Charles Street Bridge is great news for road users, businesses and freight capacity,” added Senator for Tasmania, Helen Polley. “I welcome the job creating initiatives of the Albanese Government across Tasmania and am proud to stand shoulder to shoulder with our freight and transport workers to improve safety and efficiency within our road and bridge network.”
The program is being delivered over five years with design for select Stage 1 projects already underway.
Tenders for the Charles Street Bridge strengthening, along with other bridge sites, are expected to be called during mid-2023, with construction starting later in the year.
For more information on the Freight Capacity Upgrade Program, click here.