Work to strengthen four key bridges between Hobart and Burnie will soon start.

These projects recognise the importance that efficient road transport plays in the overall transport system in Tasmania.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese, and Tasmanian Infrastructure Minister, Graeme Sturges, today confirmed their governments have each allocated $1.5 million to undertake this work.

"Upon taking office, the Rudd Labor Government acknowledged the need to upgrade regional roads to cater for more efficient heavy vehicles, such as quad axles," said Mr Albanese.

"Fixing this situation will open more of the State's road network to heavier trucks - which in turn will improve the productivity of the local trucking industry and over time reduce the number of trucks on the road."

The Federal funding comes from the Rudd Labor Government's Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program. Following consultations with the Tasmanian Government, the following bridges have been selected:

• Macquarie River Bridge at Ross on the Midland Highway;


• Emu River Bridge at Burnie on the Bass Highway;


• Meander River Bridge at Deloraine on the Bass Highway and;


• Blythe River Bridge at Heybridge on the Bass Highway.

Mr Sturges said the bridge projects we've selected will provide access to more efficient heavy vehicles to the Midland Highway between Hobart and Launceston, and the Bass Highway between Launceston and Burnie.

"This joint investment is good news for the Tasmanian economy. It will assist our local trucking operators to move freight around the State quicker and at lower cost."

The states and territories will soon be invited to apply for the Program's remaining $40 million.