The Tasmanian Liberal Government is delivering safer and more efficient roads right around our great State as part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.
Driving between Hobart and Launceston has become significantly safer and easier, with the completion of another 40 kilometres of upgrades to the Midland Highway, restoring these sections to a 110 km/h speed limit.
The upgrades were part of the $605 million Midland Highway 10-Year Action Plan, which is funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments.
The completion of these projects means the highway is currently back up to its maximum speed limits.
The completion of works near Ross in February, Oatlands in March and, just recently, between Conara and Epping Forest means there is now only a 10-kilometre section between Campbell Town and Conara remaining to be completed under the 153-kilometre Action Plan.
Once the final stage is completed, it will raise the national safety rating for the highway to three stars, which supports the 110 km/h speed limit.
Once complete, 65 per cent of the highway – or around 107 kilometres out of 165 kilometres – will be either three or four lanes.
The upgrades have delivered highway widening, extensive use of safety barriers along the side of the highway and down the centre, and more safe overtaking opportunities through dedicated lanes.
Minister for Infrastructure, Michael Ferguson, said we know delays and speed restrictions due to major highway upgrades can be frustrating but drivers are now seeing the benefit these works bring.
"This is a prime example of the generational improvements to infrastructure the Tasmanian Government is pursuing.
"It is also the first of similar 10-Year Action Plans we are pursuing on all the state's major highways."
Liberal Member for Lyons, Mark Shelton, said he was pleased to see such a major project coming to life and making it easier for drivers to get to their destination safer and more efficiently.
"We promised to deliver this Action Plan and now we're here at the site of the final section for completion of the 10-Year Action Plan, making it easier for drivers to get to their destination safer and more efficiently.
