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Full funding secured for duplication of Tasman Highway causeways

The duplication of the Tasman Highway causeways and McGees Bridge is now fully funded with a Federal Commitment of $150 million and the Tasmanian Government providing an additional $37 million.

Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said following this announcement, preliminary works are expected to start in the coming weeks, with major construction on the first component due to begin in early 2021.

“The duplication of the causeways will deliver two lanes in each direction, with an additional bridge next to McGees Bridge and a 2.5-metre-wide shared pathway,” the Deputy Prime Minister said.

“When complete, there will be a continuous four-lane highway between Hobart and Sorell.”

Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said environmental investigations, design and community consultation on the duplication of the causeways will progress throughout 2021. Construction is expected to begin in 2023 and be completed in 2025.

“The South East Traffic Solution is jointly funded by the Tasmanian and Australian governments as part of the Roads of Strategic Importance program,” Ferguson said.

“It consists of a suite of improvements on the Tasman Highway between the Hobart Airport and Sorell, as well as on the Arthur Highway, south of Iron Creek Bridge.”

Senator for Tasmania Claire Chandler said this is a route which is beyond its current capacity and causes traffic to frequently come to a standstill around peak times.

“With the area continuing to grow and attract more families, it’s vital that we invest now to provide a highway which reduces the amount of time families in Sorell and the Southern Beaches spend sitting in traffic.”

“This is a critical piece of work for the future of the region and that’s why the Federal Government is investing $150 million for the duplication of the causeways on top of our existing investment in the full Sorell traffic corridor upgrade.”

Early site preparation works have been completed at the Hobart Airport Interchange, with major construction expected to commence this week following the RMPAT decision to uphold the planning approval.


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