Two significant upgrades on Bass Highway have been completed in Tasmania’s north-west.
The upgrades between Wynyard and Marrawah, were carried out under the $100 million investment by the Australian and the Tasmanian governments.
One of the completed upgrades has improved safety by removing a curve on a section of the Bass Highway between Boat Harbour Siding Road at Boat Harbour and Broomhalls Road at Sisters Creek.
It has also delivered key upgrades to the Bass Highway’s junction with Morris Road, improving safety for road users.
The other completed works are located on the Highway at Togari, between Pacey’s Road/Park Road and Salmon River Road.
Upgrades for this stretch of the highway included shoulder widening and the improvement of the road structure between Pacey’s Road and Salmon River Road.
“The Australian Government believes in infrastructure investment that not only improves safety for those on our roads but reduces congestion and allows motorists to get to their destination sooner,” Federal transport minister Catherine King said.
“Bass Highway projects funded under our Roads of Strategic Importance initiative are important to both Tasmanian businesses and the tourism industry.
“Improved infrastructure and enhanced safety will benefit all motorists travelling on this stretch of road.”
Additional safety upgrades have been prioritised, such as the replacement of the Montagu River Bridge.
The Bass Highway is a crucial corridor linking the major population centres, transport hubs and agricultural centres of Tasmania.
Upgrades along the Highway will allow for improved safety and the ability for motorists to be able to plan with greater consistency in travel times.
The Wynyard to Marrawah corridor upgrades are part of the broader $1.16 billion Tasmanian Roads Package, which comprises $920 million in Australian Government funding and $242.8 million from the Tasmanian Government.
“The upgrades between Boat Harbour Siding Road and Broomhall’s Road will make all road users safer and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to improving the Bass Highway,” Tasmanian transport minister Michael Ferguson said.
“Reliable road connections are essential for all Tasmanians.
“I look forward to working with the Australian Government on the completion of more projects under our Bass Highway 10 Year Action Plan.”
Furture work under the Bass Highway 10-Year Action Plan near Crayfish Creek will include drainage improvements to Dunn Street, line marking, signage renewal and upgrades to the bus stop on the northern side of the Highway. This project is expected to be completed in July 2023.