CONSTRUCTION has officially begun on the $243 million Brighton Bypass and Transport Hub, Tasmania’s largest-ever transport infrastructure project.
Premier David Bartlett said the bypass would have significant improvements to local communities by cutting travelling time on the Midland Highway and improving safety in the built-up areas at its southern end.
He said the projects would provide connections to the developing Brighton Industrial Estate and future Brighton Transport Hub.
Premier Bartlett said the projects were vital components of joint State and Federal Government plans to upgrade the northern approaches to Hobart.
He said that particularly in the current economic climate, investment in these projects will provide a significant stimulus to the Tasmanian construction industry and the Tasmanian economy.
The Brighton Transport Hub would greatly improve the efficiency of freight movement into and out of southern Tasmania, the Premier said.
Two joint ventures have been selected to carry out the work. VEC/Thiess has won the contract for the northern section of the bypass and John Holland/Hazell Bros the southern section, which includes the Brighton Transport Hub.
The $79 million hub is expected to be operational by September 2011 and the $164 million Bypass is scheduled for completion by June 2012.
Add a comment