Five Tasmanian bridges have been strengthened and three more are under construction as part of an ongoing initiative to upgrade the state’s vital freight infrastructure.
The jointly funded $100 million Freight Capacity Upgrade Program, spread over five years, aims to improve access and reliability for freight vehicles across Tasmania.
Minister for Infrastructure Kerry Vincent said the program supports Tasmania’s economic growth by enhancing freight efficiency.
“Repairing and strengthening these sections of road and bridges will also improve road safety for all road users and reduce maintenance costs,” Vincent said.
“Each year the projects delivered under this program make it easier and more efficient to transport essential goods across the State.”
The recently completed bridges include Pardoe Creek bridge in Latrobe, Don River bridge in Acacia Hills, Mole Creek bridge, Arthur River bridge in Waratah, and Wellards Creek bridge in Murdunna.
Construction continues on three additional bridges: Argent River bridge on the Murchison Highway, and both Norfolk Creek and Allans Creek bridges on the Arthur Highway.
The final bridge in this package, Leslie Station Creek bridge on the Murchison Highway, is scheduled to begin construction in October 2025.
Beyond bridge improvements, six road strengthening projects have been completed across Tasmania, including sections of the Bass Highway near Westbury, Elizabeth Town and Parramatta Creek, as well as improvements to Esk Main Road and Fingerpost Main Road.
“These projects will strengthen the road, and provide a consistent, long-lasting surface on key freight routes,” Vincent said.
The minister said the program “helps keep our supermarket shelves stocked, enables major construction projects, and ensures Tasmanian producers can get their goods to key markets in Tasmania and beyond.”
