Works begin on $46m Midway Point intersection upgrade in TAS

Motorists will soon have a safer and more reliable journey along the Tasman Highway between Hobart Airport roundabout and the Arthur Highway south of Iron Creek Bridge as works begin on the Midway Point Intersection Solution. 

This $46 million upgrade project will include replacing the existing roundabout with signals and adding new lanes to create a dual lane carriageway in both directions. 

“In addition to improved traffic flows, the upgrade will deliver better footpaths and bus facilities, which will also improve access in and around Midway Point. Slip lanes will provide better access from the highway to Penna Road,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

The Midway Point Intersection Solution is being delivered as part of the South East Traffic Solution (SETS) program that has a joint funding of approximately $349.5 million from the Australian and Tasmanian Governments. 

“This is a great example of Federal and State government working together to deliver better road networks for the community. The six SETS projects are aimed at ensuring the Tasman Highway meets the current and future needs of commuters, freight operators and visitors,” Senator for Tasmania and Assistant Minister for Industry Development Jonno Duniam said. 

Midway Point Intersection Solution (source: Tasmanian Government - Transport Services)

The first stage of the Midway Point Intersection Solution will include: 

• Vegetation clearing from the rock face next to the Tasman Highway and between the two causeways 
• Demolition of two houses (1 Penna Road and 1-3 Fenton Street) 
• Modifications to the existing roundabout 
• Closure of Raynors Road, which will become a cul-de-sac with no further access to Fenton Street 
• Excavation of approximately nine metres of rock face next to the highway on the northern side will allow for the construction of two new lanes on the highway and additional turning lanes into Penna Road 
• Widening Penna Road where it intersects with the Tasman Highway to allow for the new slip lanes 
• Construction of two concrete retaining walls, one on both the eastern and western side of the Tasman Highway / Penna Road intersection – bolts will be drilled into the rock face to anchor the new retaining walls 
• Screens and safety barriers will be installed to minimise the impacts of dust and keep debris and rock fragments away from the road 
• Realignment and installation of stormwater, sewer, water, power and NBN networks 
• Construction of new road pavement 
• Construction of a new eastbound bus stop 

Works on the Midway Point Intersection Soution is due to be completed in mid-2022. 

In addition, Stage 2 construction of the new Hobart Airport Interchange is also underway and it will deliver an overpass and a dual-lane direct link between the Tasman Highway and the Arthur Highway via the Sorell Southern Bypass. 

“The Sorell Southern Bypass will take through traffic out of the Sorell town centre. This project will help improve safety and travel time reliability. It will improve access to Sorell businesses for local residents and visitors and improve traffic flow through the town centre,” Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure Michael Ferguson said. 

Concept design works for the $187 million duplication of the Midway Point and Sorell causeways will commence this year. The Australian and Tasmanian Governments have committed $150 million and $37 million respectively. 

On the other hand, planning has commenced for the duplication of the highway between Hobart Airport and Midway Point causeway. 

Collectively, these projects are set to provide a duplicated highway with four lanes between the Hobart Airport and Sorell.  

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