Huon Highway—Summerleas Road intersection upgrade underway
02 February 2017
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First sod turned on crucial safety upgrade, to help tackle the growing risk of cross-highway crashes at the busy intersection
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The project will be a major investment in Tasmanian transport infrastructure and jobs
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Upon completion, Summerleas Road will pass safely under the Huon Highway
Federal Government: Works to improve safety at the
intersection of
Huon Highway and Summerleas Road near Kingston are
getting underway, with the first sod turned today.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Darren Chester said
the Australian and
Tasmanian governments were investing $21.87 million
in the key safety upgrade.
“The intersection of the Huon Highway and Summerleas Road is a key
connection point in the Kingborough municipality. It links residential
areas to commercial and educational facilities, and Huon Valley
communities and industries with Hobart and beyond,” Mr Chester said.
“Cross-highway crashes at the busy intersection have been steadily
increasing over recent years. This project will prevent the need for
traffic to cross over the highway, giving motorists a safer, smoother
ride through the area. I know that this important project has been
championed for a long time by Senator Eric Abetz who lives in the local
community.”
Senator for Tasmania Eric Abetz said the project represented a
significant investment in Tasmania's transport infrastructure and the
creation of jobs in the state, and despite Labor's claims to the
contrary, was being delivered on time.
“Construction works are being undertaken by a joint venture between two
experienced Tasmanian companies—VEC and Shaw,” Senator Abetz said.
“In addition to direct employment within the main contractors, it is
estimated that more than 20,000 sub-contractor hours will be needed to
deliver this project over the next 18 months. This is an important
upgrade for people in Kingston and the Huon Valley who use this
dangerous intersection daily.”
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure Rene Hidding said the upgrade will
improve driving conditions for all motorists.
“The new intersection will separate the Huon Highway from Summerleas
Road, which will pass underneath the highway, and the dedicated on and
off-ramps will create safer access for traffic entering and leaving the
highway,” Mr Hidding said.
“Vehicles travelling along the highway will be able to continue
uninterrupted by Summerleas Road traffic crossing the highway, and
opposing traffic will be separated by central flexible safety barriers.
Importantly, it will also improve safety for pedestrians and cyclists by
providing shared pathways and improved bus stop facilities.
“Motorists will start to notice changes, including traffic management,
at the site in coming weeks as construction gets underway in earnest.”
The Australian Government has committed $17.5 million and the Tasmanian
Government $4.37 million to the project, which is scheduled for
completion in mid-2018.
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Source: Federal Government - www.minister.infrastructure.gov.au
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