Upgraded truck stop for Bridgewater

Construction is about to begin to improve the heavy vehicle driver rest area at Bridgewater, just north of Hobart, at the corner of Glenstone Road and Strong Street.

The project will upgrade and enhance the existing truck stop and is funded under the Australian Government’s Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative, which has a $140 million commitment over 10 years.

The Australian Government is contributing $360,000 towards this project, with the Brighton Council contributing $90,000, totalling $450,000.

This project is expected to create 4.5 full-time-equivalent positions during construction.  

Design features of the project include landscaping, signage and pedestrian pathways to truck parking on Glenstone Road, a toilet block and sheltered seating areas with bins.

When complete, the upgrades to the truck stop will assist in reducing driver fatigue by creating a place where truck drivers will want to stop and rest.

The upgrades will greatly improve the appearance and functionality of the space, and create a key meeting place for heavy vehicle drivers.

Construction is expected to start in April 2024 and be completed by May 2025.

For further information on the Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative visit: www.infrastructure.gov.au/department/media/news/heavy-vehicle-rest-areas-initiative-now-open-applications.

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Carol Brown:

“Without our truckies Australia stops.”

“Road safety is a shared responsibility. We must all do our part to ensure everyone on our roads gets home safely. 

“We are committed to ensuring truck drivers across Tasmania, who spend so much time on our roads, are well rested and not driving fatigued.

“Heavy vehicle rest areas enable truck drivers to effectively manage their fatigue by planning their journey and knowing where they can safely stop and rest.”

Comments attributable to Federal Member for Lyons Brian Mitchell:

"These works will improve road safety for heavy vehicle drivers accessing the rest area.

“Lives can change in a split second on the road, and we know that driving while fatigued is one of the leading factors contributing to road crashes.

“Providing upgraded facilities at this truck stop will ensure our truck drivers will be well rested and drive safely to deliver freight across Tasmania.”

Comments attributable to Brighton Mayor Leigh Gray:

“The new rest area will provide a pleasant and functional space for our hard-working truck drivers and other workers and visitors to the Brighton Hub to relax.

"The investment in the rest area demonstrates Brighton Council’s ongoing commitment to position the Brighton Hub as an attractive prospect for future investors, employers and employees and to support growth.”

Comments attributable to Tasmanian Transport Association Executive Director Michelle Harwood:

"Truck drivers must have facilities for rest, load checking, and access to toilets, along key Tasmanian freight routes – these are basic workplace and human rights.

“The Australian Government’s commitment to truck driver safety, through the National Heavy Vehicle Rest Area program, is a long overdue and very welcome initiative that is providing facilities for Tasmanian truck drivers.

“TTA congratulates Brighton Council for working in partnership with the Australian Government to support the truck drivers who, day in and day out, provide services that are essential to businesses and communities. 

“We are delighted that this rest area will be upgraded to provide much needed toilet facilities, sheltered seating areas and rubbish bins – something that the TTA has been advocating for over many years now.”