Road safety works get underway across northern Tasmania

Upgrades are starting this week at the Frankford Road and Chapel Road junction in Harford, to improve safety and reduce the risk of crashes.

The improvements are part of the latest $27.5 million investment by both the Australian and Tasmanian Governments under the national Road Safety Program, and are set to be completed by late May 2025.

The existing junction will be changed to a standard T-junction with widening provided for road users to pass a vehicle turning right from Chapel Road onto Frankford Road.

Under the same program, safety upgrades will also be made to the junction of Pipers River Road and Waddles Road in Karoola, and are expected to start in early March 2025. 

Road users can expect some temporary traffic changes during the Harford junction upgrade including reduced speed limits and occasional lane closures during the 7:00 am to 6:00 pm working hours.

Road users are asked to allow 15 minutes extra travel time and to follow the directions of traffic controllers and signs. More information about the project and the wider Road Safety Program can be found here.

Quotes attributable to Federal Assistant Minister for Regional Development, Anthony Chisholm:

“Nothing is more important than ensuring people who travel on Australia’s regional road network get home safely each time they travel. 

“That’s why we’re backing this $27.5 million investment to make the Frankford Road and Chapel Road junction safer for locals and visitors to this part of Tassie. 

“Through projects such as this one, we’re working with the Tasmanian Government to help keep everyone safe on the state’s roads.”

Quotes attributable to Senator for Tasmania, Anne Urquhart:

“The Australian Government is committed to improving road safety and significantly reducing the number of road deaths and serious injuries on our roads.”

"While our government continues to prioritise road safety, I encourage all drivers to do their bit by driving to the conditions, slowing down, putting on a seatbelt, taking a break when you’re tired, and avoiding distractions."

Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure, Kerry Vincent:

“The upcoming junction upgrades demonstrate our commitment to improving safety for road users and reducing the number of deaths and serious injuries on our roads. 

“We also look forward to starting work on the remaining junction upgrades included under the program, such as the Pipers River Road and Waddles Road junction in Karoola, which we expect to start in March this year.  

“Feedback from local communities and other key stakeholders has been a key focus in identifying the improvements for each junction, and we’ve balanced that with ensuring the best road safety outcomes are achieved.”