Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
The Tasmanian Liberal Government is delivering safer and more efficient roads right around Tasmania.
Public feedback is now sought on plans to improve the Tasman Highway south of Bicheno.
The project is part of the Tasmanian Government's $41 million Great Eastern Drive upgrade program under the Roads Package to Support Tasmania's Visitor Economy.
It is planned to improve a winding, narrow section of the highway from Bicheno, to the base of a series of bends known locally as 'Dead Horse Hill'. It is one of the worst sections on the Highway and we want to upgrade it as part of our record infrastructure plan.
Four serious crashes have been recorded on this stretch of road in the past five years.
The plans propose to widen the road from six metres to eight metres and realign the back-to-back bends to reduce the risk of crashes and to improve driving conditions.
The Great Eastern Drive upgrade program is improving the driver experience, overall safety, and travel time reliability along sections of the popular route between Orford and St Helens, one of Tasmania's five self-drive touring journeys.
A total of 37 projects have been completed so far under five separate contracts.
The projects have included installing overtaking lanes, stopping bays and improved safety treatments at intersections and near popular tourism attractions to enhance the visitor experience and provide safer, more efficient travel for all road users.
Work is currently progressing on road improvements and overtaking facilities between St Helens and Dianas Basin.
Work is also underway on the Government's $4.5 million commitment to upgrade Binalong Bay Road.
Community consultation on the south of Bicheno project opens on Monday, 13 September and closes on Monday, 27 September 2021 and the feedback received will be used to inform the final design.
Plans will be on display at the Glamorgan Spring Bay Council office, 9 Melbourne Street, Triabunna.
Feedback can also be provided via an interactive map on the Transport website: www.transport.tas.gov.au.
