Peak-hour gridlock targeted with $1.8m

STATE BUDGET

A STATE Government project to tackle peak-hour traffic congestion in Hobart has been given a $1.8 million kickstart in this year’s Budget.

The Hobart Traffic Congestion Project will include the installation of a real-time traffic information system for commuters, the upgrading of traffic light co-ordination on key corridors and better traffic light systems.

“There is no single solution to peak-period traffic congestion. Improved traffic flow will be gained by a range of measures implemented over time,” Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding said.

The traffic money is part of a $2 billion infrastructure allocation that includes health, education, tourism and roads and rail — the main benefici- aries of an expanded infrastructure spend in the 2017-18 Budget.

Treasurer Peter Gutwein announced $245.2 million in new infrastructure investment over the four years until 2020-21.

“Across Tasmania our infrastructure investment will help to grow the economy, create jobs and deliver essential services including education and health,” Mr Gutwein said.

“This Budget equals the spend largely supported by the Federal Government post the GFC (global financial crisis) when the federal and state governments were acting in a crisis situation.”

Consistent with the state’s improved economic outlook, and a looming election, infrastructure spending will rise from $534 million in 2016-17 to $657 million in 2017-18.

The bigger spend comes after a disappointing Federal Budget that did not fund any new projects and ignored the

The RACT stands ready to work with the Government on identifying the most appropriate spending priorities for these funds RACT CEO, HARVEY LENNON

University of Tasmania’s STEM project, Hobart light rail and the Macquarie Point revamp.

Infrastructure funding reduces in 2019-20 and 2020-21 to $420 million and $359 million respectively but the Government has $335 million set aside from this year’s Budget that can be spent on future projects.

Premier Will Hodgman said work was being done with Infrastructure Australia to progress the Bridgewater Bridge.

“There will need to be a significant contribution from the state, maybe more than $100 million, and that infrastructure fund points to projects like that,” Mr Hodgman said.

Roads and rail spending of more than $827 million over the next four years includes $294 million in 2017-18.

There is a previously announced $7 million for a dangerous intersection in Launceston and $19 million for freight access bridges.

Projects also include the continuation of the $500 million Midland Highway upgrade, including $60 million in Federal Government funding for the Perth Bypass, and starting upgrades on the Hobart Airport roundabout and Bass Highway intersection at Wynyard.