Work on the $1.6 million upgrade of Pipers River Bridge in northern Tasmania is about to begin to improve safety and ensure the bridge meets the growing needs of modern freight vehicles.
Pipers River Bridge is located on Bridport Road in Pipers River in the north-east of Tasmania and connects the towns of Scottsdale, Bridport and George Town.
About 31 per cent of the average 963 vehicles that cross the bridge each day are heavy vehicles.
Strengthening the bridge will start this month and is expected to be completed in November.
The contract has recently been awarded to Tasmanian company BridgePro Engineering.
Work will involve changed traffic conditions, including reduced speed limits and single lane closures, with delays of up to eight minutes during the working hours of 7am to 6pm Monday to Friday.
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments under the $100 million Freight Capacity Upgrade Program, with the Australian Government committing $80 million and the Tasmanian Government $20 million.
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 the country and this project will help ease congested roads in Tasmania while also creating local job opportunities.
"Pipers River Bridge is just one of the several road strengthening projects that are in the works as part of the $100 million Freight Capacity Upgrade Program.
"This program aims to increase the freight capacity of critical and regional freight routes throughout Tasmania by strengthening or replacing various bridges and improving sections of roads throughout the state.
"The Australian Government's investment is a key part of ensuring Tasmanian roads are as safe and efficient as possible and will continue for the next five years."
Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson:
"The Tasmanian economy continues to grow and improving freight transport infrastructure will ensure that growth continues by providing local job opportunities and better connectivity throughout the state.
"The Pipers River Bridge project continues the program of extensive upgrading of the state's freight transport network to provide improved access and support the safe and efficient movement of goods around Tasmania."
Quotes attributable to Senator for Tasmania, Helen Polley:
"This investment in the Pipers Rivers Bridge is great news for the hundreds of road users, businesses and transport workers that use it daily and will greatly improve the safety and efficiency of our freight capacity.
"An efficient transport network is vital to supporting Tasmania's ongoing economic development and provides safe and reliable access for all road users."
