Tasmania seeks public views for West Tamar Highway upgrade project

The Tasmanian Government has requested public feedback on the proposed West Tamar Highway upgrade project in the Australian state’s northern region.

The A$12m project forms part of the Tasmanian Government’s A$92.5m Launceston and Tamar Valley Traffic Vision policy commitment.

Infrastructure minister Jeremy Rockliff said that the proposed upgrades comprise sections of West Tamar Highway north of Rosevears Drive to Gravelly Beach Road, Atkinsons Road to Waldhorn Drive, Exeter to Batman Highway and Motor Road junction.

Rockliff added: “These projects are aimed at maintaining the liveability of communities along the highway and improving the reliability of commuting times to and from Launceston.

“Consultation with key stakeholders is already underway, and formal consultation on initial concept designs is now open to the public.”

People can share their feedback, ideas and suggestions on the West Tamar Highway upgrade projects through an online interactive map by 31 May.

Proposed works include road widening, shoulder sealing, resurfacing, new overtaking points and a footpath, as well as vegetation clearing to improve visibility and improve stormwater drainage.

Upon completion of public consultation, the state government plans to advertise tender for the project by around the third quarter of 2019.

Completion of the detailed design of the project is expected to take place towards the end of this year. Subsequently, construction is scheduled to begin early next year with completion scheduled for mid-2021.

Once operational, the West Tamar Highway project is intended to make the highway safer, and improving travel time reliability to and from Launceston.