Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
A milestone has been reached on the Tasman Highway at Paradise Gorge, with the final large rock brought down yesterday.
An estimated total of 1450 tonnes of rock has now been removed from the rockface overhanging the road in the three weeks since the road was closed.
This is an important milestone in the work to re-open the Tasman Highway in mid-July and I congratulate the team of expert rock-removalists for achieving this in a very challenging operating environment.
This week the focus will be on continuing to remove the large amount of accumulated debris, including pieces of rock that litter the remaining ledges and slope.
The debris has collected during the rock removal works, particularly as rocks have broken as they fall.
The removal of debris is an important part of these works, as these pieces of rock pose a potential threat to road users if not removed prior to the road being reopened.
Permanent monitoring sensors will continue to be installed this week to allow ongoing monitoring of the rockface in future.
Vegetation clearing and trimming will also occur, in the area of the rockface, but also along the length of the closed section of the Tasman Highway.
Our current focus is on removing the immediate risk, clearing the slope and road of debris and rock, and getting the road open as soon as possible.
Road crews are also active, repairing damage to Wielangta Road caused by the recent and heavy rain.
Both Wielangta and Lake Leake roads are being monitored and issues are being identified and repaired.
Road users who encounter potential hazards on either road are encouraged to report them to the State Roads 24/7 hotline on 1300 139 933.
Following feedback from the local community, the temporary twice-weekly shuttle service to Hobart has been extended to include Triabunna.
From Tuesday, 22 June the shuttle service will be available to depart from Triabunna on request. The service will leave from opposite the Triabunna IGA (21 Vicary Street) at 8:45am before proceeding to Orford and on to Hobart. In the afternoons the return journey will arrive in Triabunna at approximately 5:40pm.
