Work has now commenced on the largest single project in the 10-year $500million Midland Highway Action Plan, which will provide a massive economic boost to Northern Tasmania.
The $92.3million Perth Link Roads project will deliver the final link in a dual carriageway along the Midland Highway from Launceston to the south of Perth, Tasmania.
Deputy Prime Minister, Nationals' Leader and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the project would increase safety, reduce traffic noise and ease congestion in the area.
"Around Australia the Liberal and Nationals' Government is investing in upgrading roads to ensure people can get home sooner and safer, and boost productivity," Mr McCormack said.
"This project will improve safety and reduce traffic noise and congestion by diverting heavy vehicles and traffic from the Perth town centre."
Tasmanian Deputy Premier and Minister for Infrastructure Jeremy Rockliff said the Perth Link Roads project was another important step in improving safety along the length of the Highway to a minimum 3-star AusRAP safety rating.
"This enormous project will deliver real safety and efficiency benefits for commuters, as well as taking heavy freight trucks out of the centre of the Perth township," Mr Rockliff said.
"It will also result in millions being injected back into the economy with numerous flow-on benefits for local businesses, while supporting an estimated 166 direct and 25 indirect jobs during construction.
"It's a great example of the State and Federal Government working together to improve the lives of Tasmanians."
Liberal Senator for Tasmania David Bushby said detailed design was underway and early works had started onsite.
"The community will love this project because it will deliver safety and amenity benefits for the community, including landscaping at the entrance to Perth, that will encourage tourism and a dedicated shared path that will improve pedestrian and cyclist connections between Longford and Breadalbane," Senator Bushby said.
The Nationals' Senator for Tasmania Steve Martin said the project was the largest project of the $500million Midland Highway Upgrade jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments—a program that had already delivered 13 projects.
"Construction on a number of other projects is progressing, including York Plains to St Peters Pass, Mangalore to Bagdad Stage 2 (Mangalore), Epping Forest to Powranna and St Peters Pass to south of Tunbridge," Senator Martin said.
Construction of the Perth Link Roads is expected to start in late 2018 and be completed by mid-2021.
The Australian Government has committed $83.1million to the project, with the Tasmanian Government committing the remaining $9.2million.
In good news for local jobs, Tasmanian joint venture VEC-Shaw will deliver the project.
