https://www.roadtraffic-technology.com/projects/brighton-bypass/

Tasmania has officially opened A$191m Brighton Bypass on the Midland Highway between Bridgewater and Pontville in the Australian province.

Opened ahead of schedule, the 9.6km-long route features a dual carriageway between East Derwent Highway at Bridgewater and the existing Midland Highway north of Pontville.

In addition to providing a boost to the Tasmanian economy, the project will improve safety while reducing commuter times on the Midland Highway.

Australian minister for infrastructure, David O’Byrne, said that over 1,800 workers contributed to the bypass during the period of peak construction.

"This major project was delivered well ahead of schedule and has provided a significant economic stimulus to the Tasmanian construction industry," O’Byrne added.

"Tasmania has officially opened A$191m Brighton Bypass on the Midland Highway between Bridgewater and Pontville in the Australian province."

The bypass will support the enhancement of the new freight transport hub at Brighton, and will also provide a solution to traffic movement, safety and amenity issues linked with a major freight route passing through Brighton and Pontville towns.

Contract work was undertaken by national partners Thiess and John Holland, and local Tasmanian firms VEC Civil Engineering and Hazell Bros.

The speed limit on the road will remain at 80km/h for a week and then rise to 100km/h. It will be monitored for the coming months before a decision to increase it to 110km/h is made.

The Brighton Bypass is a part of the state government’s infrastructure agenda, which also includes the A$104m Midlands Water Scheme, the A$586m redevelopment of the Royal Hobart Hospital, the A$50m rehabilitation of Hobart railyards and the A$90m Community Roads Program.

Image: The bypass will support the enhancement of the new freight transport hub at Brighton. Photo: courtesy of KeresH.