Michael Ferguson, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Catherine King, Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister
Brian Mitchell, Federal Member for Lyons
Travellers using Launceston Airport will benefit from a new dual-lane road, with the duplication of Evandale Road from the airport to Breadalbane roundabout now complete in time for Tasmania's busy summer tourism season.
The $16.7 million project was jointly funded through the Australian Government's Roads of Strategic Importance program and the Tasmanian Government's Roads Package to Support Tasmania's Visitor Economy.
Evandale Road is a key transport link in the Launceston region, providing the main gateway to the airport and access to the nearby TRANSlink Precinct.
It connects the airport and industrial precinct with the Midland Highway and from there to Launceston and Hobart.
The project involved widening a 1.8 kilometre section of Evandale Road to two lanes in each direction, installation of flexible safety barriers and upgrades to key intersections.
Growth in the industrial precinct has generated significant heavy vehicle traffic in the area.
Even during quieter times of the day, the road was operating at capacity, with delays and queuing increasing during peak hours.
Comments attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"I'm pleased to see this upgrade improving safety, reducing traffic congestion and creating a better impression for visitors when they arrive in Tasmania.
"This completed road duplication will also allow for future growth of the Launceston Airport and the surrounding commercial and industrial precincts."
Comments attributable to Tasmanian Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson:
"The upgrade to two lanes in each direction keeps traffic flowing so that travellers can arrive and depart from the airport faster and freight can be delivered more efficiently.
"This is an investment not only in the safety of all road users, but in supporting an important job-creating precinct."
Comments attributable to Federal Member for Lyons Brian Mitchell:
"It's important to have had this section of Evandale Road upgraded to better cater for growing traffic as the gateway to and from Launceston Airport, as well as for the rapidly developing TRANSlink precinct, which is a busy industrial hub.
"There will be significant benefits and efficiencies for the large number of industrial and freight-based businesses which will regularly use the newly duplicated Evandale Road to access the airport."
