Local builder appointed for TAS Huon Hwy-Sandfly Rd Intersection works

Upgrade works to the Huon Highway and Sandfly Road intersection in Tasmania will commence in the coming weeks following the award of the construction contract to local company Hazell Bros Group. 

This project is part of the Australian and Tasmanian Governments’ jointly funded $46 million stimulus package for shovel-ready infrastructure packages and urgent road safety upgrades that was announced in June 2020. 

“This critical project will upgrade the busy junction at the Huon Highway and Sandfly Road to improve road safety, better connect world-famous Tasmanian businesses to ports and markets and get people home sooner and safer. 

“Not only will this provide much-needed jobs and economic stimulus for the region, it will deliver a longer-term boost for all those local industries relying on the route to rein in visitors and customers or get their goods to markets. 

“This is fantastic news for the state, with this project being just the latest example of how our Government is rolling out projects under our record nationwide $110 billion infrastructure pipeline to lay the foundation for our nation's economic recovery from the impacts of COVID-19,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

Project map (source: Tasmanian Government - Transport Services)

The concept design for the upgrade will include: 

• A left turn slip lane from Sandfly Road south onto the highway heading to Huonville 
• Relocation of the southbound bus stop to the Hobart side of the intersection to place the bus stop closer to the parking facility 
• Relocation of the pedestrian crossing closer to Hobart to reduce the number of lanes pedestrians need to cross 
• A new fenced footpath from the bus stop on the Sandfly side of the intersection to the pedestrian crossing making it safer for pedestrians 
• Making the parking facility larger to provide more parking spaces 
• Bike crossings for cyclists 

“The design also includes pedestrian, cyclist and car parking facilities, better access to the bus stops and improved lighting through the intersection. 

“Our Government recognises the importance of the Huon Highway and is committed to improving safety and efficiency on this key regional route,” Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Micahel Ferguson said. 

According to Assistant Minister for Industry Development Jonno Duniam, the Australian Government is pleased to be working with the State Government in delivering vital infrastructure works that will provide Tasmanians with a safer road network. 

“The Huon Highway is a vital link to and from the Huon Valley, connecting major industry sectors such as tourism, forestry, aquaculture and agriculture with Hobart and beyond. 

“Delivering safer, more efficient road networks will be key to helping these industries bounce back as we welcome visitors back into the state and continue to get our renowned local food and fibre to the rest of Australia and the world,” Assistant Minister Duniam said. 

The Huon Highway and Sandfly Road intersection upgrade is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments, each contributing $5 million and $2 million respectively. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Tasmanian Government – Transport Services