Northern Roads Initiative 

Roading infrastructure is the life blood for any part of regional Australia. Roading initiatives and upgrades identified by northern local councils are focused on the betterment of the communities prosperity. From decongesting Launceston City’s CBD to future proofing access to the East Coast to providing better connection between existing and future suburbs, Northern Tasmania has a clear list of roading infrastructure projects requiring support. 

By enhancing the connectivity to critical services, improving freight logistics, and providing better access so visitors can respectfully engage with regional places roading investments provide immeasurable returns. 

These projects were presented to a forum of 50 northern leaders on 20 September 2023. As part of the forum leaders were asked to provide their thoughts on projects presented. Specifically:

  1. What three words describe the benefits to Northern Tasmania, of the project’s success?

  2. What is the order of regional priorities that the project addresses?

    • Building prosperity

    • Contributing to the culture of the north

    • Contributing to the health of the environment

    • Contributing to the Northern Tasmanian and Tasmanian brand

    • Improving wellbeing and social outcomes

      The word cloud and circle bar graph here reflect those leaders’ collective view.

Launceston City Traffic Flow Improvement

  • Launceston’s strategic position at the intersection of the Midland, Bass, Tasman and East Tamar highways means it receives a high volume of freight traffic through the city centre

  • The impacts of these movements should be mitigated by defining clear routes that separate freight from areas of high vibrancy and activity. (Launceston Transport Strategy)

  • There is currently dependence for freight traffic and through traffic to utilise the CBD road network.

  • The removal of major transport hubs from the CBD to an appropriate location on the fringe of the City will reduce the amount of heavy traffic in these areas.

  • This supports the vision to create a more accessible and walkable CBD improving the opportunities for private investment and the appeal to tourists.

  • Costs currently being determined.

  • Feasibility/business case ready.

    For more information, please contact City of Launceston,

    P: (03)6323-3104, E: contactus@launceston.tas.gov.au

Glen Road Upgrade

A significant upgrade is required to The Glen Road to seal a further 4.2 km

The works will:

  • improve vehicular access

  • contribute to liveability and greater safety of community

  • encourage visitors to the Pipers River region and attractions beyond George Town.

Funding investment of $3.6M

Pre-feasibility study required

For more information, please contact George Town Council,

P: 6382 8800, E: council@georgetown.tas.gov.au

East Arm Road Upgrade

A significant upgrade is required to East Arm Road to seal 7 km of unsealed road.

The works will:

  • improve safety

  • provide greater access and standard of road

  • more efficiency for freight movements.

Funding investment of $4.5M.

Pre-feasibility study required

For more information, please contact George Town Council

P: 6382 8800, E: council@georgetown.tas.gov.au

EAST TAMAR HWY & HILLWOOD RD INTERSECTION UPGRADE

Reconfigure intersection to meet current standards.

The works will:

  • provide safer traffic movement

  • accommodate for increasing residential growth in the area.

Funding investment of $6.0M.

Pre-feasibility study required.

For more information, please contact George Town Council,

P: 6382 8800, E: council@georgetown.tas.gov.au

MEANDER VALLEY RD & BARTLEY ST INTERSECTION UPGRADE

Construction of a new roundabout on the Tasmanian Government’s Meander Valley Road.

 The works will:

  • Improve safety for vehicles and pedestrians

  • Improve public transport safety

  • Improve access points and facilitate new residential land development

  • Reduce vehicle speeds and lower noise levels

  • Provide a safe crossing point for pedestrians

  • Enable 200 additional residential properties in the area

  • Funding investment required $1.5M of $2.0M project

For more information, please contact Meander Valley Council

P: (03)6393 5300, E: ogm@mvc.tas.gov.au

ST MARYS PASS ALTERNATIVE ROUTE

  • Funding for an alternative route as a more suitable option rather than consistent maintenance of St Marys Pass

  • BODC have demonstrated to Dept of State Growth that there is an alternative. State Government have committed funds in the current State Budget for the investigation.

  • Length 5 km.

  • Concept design developed with AustRoads guidelines as a basis.

  • Cost estimate is $50-75m: 20% State Government. 80% Federal Government

For more information, please contact Break O’Day Council

P: (03)637-6790, E: admin@bodc.tas.gov.au

REDEVELOPMENT OF GOLCONDA ROAD

  • Transportation link for commuters, tourism and freight between Dorset and the regional city of Launceston and further to the Northwest and South, as well as George Town Council, with the road a significant freight link to the port and industrial area of Bell Bay.

  • Golconda Road is listed in the Dorset Council Priority Projects Plan in stages.

  • Project will result improved safety and reduced operating costs by widening and upgrading the pavement to HPV standard and implementing safety features.

  • Upgrading Golconda Road will provide access to 26m B Double (68 Tonne) as compared to the current 19m access (45.5 Tonne) an approximate 50% increase.

  • Total project cost - $24M (19.6KM)

For more information, please contact Dorset Council

P: (03) 6352 6500, E: dorset@dorset.tas.gov.au

Photo Credit Nic Betts Media