Improved safety for Tasmanians with two major Bass Highway projects completed

Two significant upgrades to key areas of the Bass Highway have been completed in Tasmania’s north-west.

The works are funded under a $100 million investment in Bass Highway upgrades between Wynyard and Marrawah.

The Australian Government has committed $60 million under its Roads of Strategic Importance initiative to the corridor upgrades, with the Tasmanian Government committing the remaining $40 million.

One of the completed upgrades has improved safety by removing a curve on a section of the Bass Highway between Boat Harbour Siding Road at Boat Harbour and Broomhalls Road at Sisters Creek.

It has also delivered vital upgrades to the Bass Highway’s junction with Morris Road, significantly improving safety for road users.

The other completed works are located on the Highway at Togari, between Pacey’s Road/Park Road and Salmon River Road.

Upgrades for this stretch of the Highway included shoulder widening and the improvement of the road structure between Pacey’s Road and Salmon River Road.

Additional safety upgrades have been prioritised, such as the replacement of the Montagu River Bridge.

Not only meeting the needs of modern freight transporters, the construction of the new Montagu River Bridge has provided invaluable training and employment opportunities for young tradespeople.

The exposure to on-site concrete-pouring methods for a large-scale project has allowed for greater skill development and enhanced job security in the pipeline of continuous work on Bass Highway upgrade projects.

Furture work under the Bass Highway 10-Year Action Plan near Crayfish Creek will include drainage improvements to Dunn Street, line marking, signage renewal and upgrades to the bus stop on the northern side of the Highway. This project is expected to be completed in July 2023.

The Bass Highway is a crucial corridor linking the major population centres, transport hubs and agricultural centres of Tasmania.

Upgrades along the Highway will allow for improved safety and the ability for motorists to be able to plan with greater consistency in travel times.

The Wynyard to Marrawah corridor upgrades are part of the broader $1.16 billion Tasmanian Roads Package, which comprises $920 million in Australian Government funding and $242.8 million from the Tasmanian Government.

For more information on the Action Plan, visit the Transport Services website.

More information on the Roads of Strategic Importance initiative is available on the Australian Government’s Infrastructure Investment website.

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

“The Australian Government believes in infrastructure investment that not only improves safety for those on our roads but reduces congestion and allows motorists to get to their destination sooner.

“The employment opportunities that arise as a result of these significant projects will benefit Tasmania and provide a major economic stimulus to the north west region.

“Bass Highway projects funded under our Roads of Strategic Importance initiative are important to both Tasmanian businesses and the tourism industry.

“Improved infrastructure and enhanced safety will benefit all motorists travelling on this stretch of road.”

Comments attributable to Tasmanian Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson:

“These projects are among a raft of upgrades between Wynyard and Marrawah, many of which have now been completed, including four new overtaking lanes, 10 sections of Highway realignment, 66 junction upgrades and up to 60 kilometres of road-widening.’’

“The upgrades between Boat Harbour Siding Road and Broomhall’s Road will make all road users safer and demonstrate our ongoing commitment to improving the Bass Highway.

“Reliable road connections are essential for all Tasmanians.

“I look forward to working with the Australian Government on the completion of more projects under our Bass Highway 10 Year Action Plan.”