The Australian and Tasmanian Governments in December announced Tasmanian company Hazell Bros as the successful contractor to carry out intersection upgrades on the Brooker Highway at Elwick.
The project will improve safety, capacity and efficiency on this busy section of highway by reducing congestion and improving traffic flow at the intersections with Elwick, Goodwood and Howard Roads.
The Australian Government will provide $25.6 million towards the $32 million project.
“This project is a significant investment in Tasmania’s transport infrastructure,” said Federal Minister for Major Projects Paul Fletcher in a statement.
“Works will involve realigning the Elwick Road and Goodwood Road junctions to form one traffic light-controlled intersection and replacing the Howard Road roundabout with traffic lights.
“Signals will be coordinated at both intersections for maximum traffic flow efficiency.
“These upgrades will improve traffic flows north of Hobart, boosting the efficiency of the Brooker Highway as a key commuter and freight corridor.”
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure Rene Hidding said the project would also provide improved connections and road safety for pedestrians and cyclists.
“Works will include pedestrian crossings with countdown timers at the intersections and a shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists along the highway,” Mr. Hidding said.
“The business community and road users will welcome the upgrades as these existing junctions are some of the biggest productivity traps on our network, especially at peak times.
“Motorists will benefit from three traffic through-lanes in each direction to ease congestion, and improved access to Timsbury Road from Howard Road.”
Works on the Brooker Highway are expected to start in January 2016 and are scheduled for completion towards the middle of 2017.