The South East Traffic Solution is a joint Federal and State program to maintain the liveability of Sorell and the Southern Beaches in Tasmania.
Progress is continuing for the initiative, with the final designs for key projects along the Hobart to Sorell Corridor released.
The Federal Government has approved $92.6 million in funding for three projects along the corridor. These projects include; upgrades on the Tasman Highway between Hobart Airport and Western Causeway, the Midway Point intersection and a new Sorell Southern Bypass.
The projects are funded under the Roads of Strategic Importance (ROSI) initiative.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the upgrades would deliver significant improvements for commuters travelling between Hobart and Sorell.
“Sorell is one of the fastest growing areas of Hobart. Delivering these important road projects sooner, as part of the Government’s $100 billion pipeline of infrastructure projects, will provide significant benefits for all road users along the Corridor,” Mr. McCormack said.
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson welcomed the approval of funding and said designs had been refined following extensive stakeholder and community consultation to ensure the best outcome.
“These upgrades recognise the need to preserve the lifestyle attractions of Sorell and the southern beaches by improving travel time reliability and safety,” Mr. Ferguson said.
The Arthur Highway overtaking lane, which was the first South East Traffic Solution project is now complete. This project saw a new southeast-bound overtaking lane constructed along with U-turn facilities and safer bus stops.
“The next project under the South East Traffic Solution is the four-lane Hobart Airport Interchange, which is progressing with early works currently underway and construction to begin in the coming months, and due for completion mid-2022,” Mr. Ferguson said.
“Construction of the next projects to follow the Hobart Airport Interchange – the highway duplication from the Hobart Airport to the Western Causeway and the Midway Point Intersection solution – are expected to start towards the end of the year, with expected completion mid-2021.”
Designs for the duplication of the Western Causeways and McGees Bridge have been prioritised and are expected to be made available to the community later this year.
Construction will begin on the Midway Point Intersection and duplication from Hobart Airport to the Western Causeway in late 2020.
The Federal and Tasmanian Governments have committed a total of $162.5 million to the upgrades along the Hobart to Sorell Corridor.
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