Freight route upgrades continue with work on nine Tasmanian bridges

Nine Tasmanian bridges are undergoing strengthening works, while tenders have opened to strengthen a further 12 bridges in 2025 as part of a $100 million upgrade of Tasmania’s freight routes.

The projects are jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments under the five-year Freight Capacity Upgrade Program, with the Australian Government committing $80 million and the Tasmanian Government $20 million.

The program will increase the freight capacity of critical and regional freight routes throughout Tasmania by strengthening or replacing various bridges and improving sections of roads.

To date, 15 road and bridge strengthening projects under the program have been completed across the state, including Pipers River Bridge and sections on the Bass, Midland, Lyell and Huon highways.

Work is now advanced on a package to strengthen nine bridges under a $2.2 million contract awarded to construction company Fulton Hogan.

Six of the nine bridges – at Argent River, Arthur River, Mole Creek, Leslie Station Creek, Don River and Pardoe Creek – are in the State’s north west.

The other bridges are at Wellards Creek, Norfolk Creek and Allans Creek on the Arthur Highway in the State’s south east.

Work is underway at eight sites, with some nearing completion. The ninth, Leslie Station Creek, will start construction in 2025.

The 12 bridge-strengthening projects currently open for tender are located across Tasmania.

Current plans are for a total of 35 bridges to be strengthened and three replaced as part of the Freight Capacity Upgrade Program.

For more information on the Freight Capacity Upgrade Program visit: investment.infrastructure.gov.au/projects/117382-21tas-np

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“The Australian Government is committed to improving road safety and freight efficiency across Tasmania.

“We know how important it is to deliver infrastructure that will ease congested roads while also creating opportunities for Tasmanians.

“That is why we will continue to partner with the Tasmanian Government to deliver the Freight Capacity Upgrade Program.”

Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent:

“The program is supporting Tasmania’s economic growth by increasing freight efficiency, enabling increased safe operating loads, and making travel times more predictable for freight operators.

“It supports productivity by improving the roads freight vehicles travel on day to day.

“Repairing and strengthening these sections of road and bridges will also improve road safety for all road users and reduce maintenance costs.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Tasmania Anne Urquhart:

“These much-needed bridge strengthening works will increase road and bridge network capability to increase freight productivity for critical state industries such as agriculture and manufacturing.

“The Australian Government will continue to invest in infrastructure projects across Tasmania to ensure efficient and safer travel for truck and heavy vehicle freight well into the future.”