Tasmanian roads ravaged by recent storms and heavy rain are set to get some love as authorities launch what they say is a ‘pothole blitz’.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff says some of the state’s roads have “taken a battering” and that the government was “acting immediately”.
“We’ve listened to Tasmanians who are understandably concerned,” he said.
“We’ve arranged our road repair contractors to intensively restore road surfaces following the recent damage.”
North-west road contractor Stornoway has deployed three road repair crews to quickly fix potholes on the Bass Highway, particularly between Deloraine and Devonport and near Wynyard.
The crews will also be on standby to respond to emergencies stemming from severe weather.
Some road repairs will be temporary until longer-term restoration of the road surface can be completed in warmer weather, Rockliff said.
Other impacted roads, including those on the West Coast and the Lyell Highway, Highland Lakes Road and Lake Dobson Road, will be fixed where crews are available.
The West Coast Council encouraged locals to report state road issues to the 24/7 hotline on 1300 139 933 so they can be logged for repair, after dozens of complaints were aired on social media.
“This is a matter of public safety and a critical issue for our community,” a spokesperson said.
“West Coast Council is advocating for the Department of State Growth to take immediate action to address the poor condition of the Murchison Highway.”
$117 million in funding has been allocated to bridge and road maintenance for this financial year in the 2024-25 state budget, Rockliff said.
“The Tasmanian Government is committed to the long-term management of the state’s roads, ensuring they are not only maintained but designed for longevity and road user safety,” he said.
Motorists whose vehicles were damaged as a result of potholes or other hazards on state roads may be eligible for compensation through the Department of State Growth’s claim process.
