Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister Anthony Albanese, Tasmanian Infrastructure Minister Graeme Sturges and Franklin MP Julie Collins were today onsite to witness the official start of major construction on the $41.5 million Kingston Bypass.

Mr Albanese said the project was exactly what the Rudd Labor Government’s Nation Building Program is all about, putting 50 Tasmanians to work building the road infrastructure vital to our long-term economic prosperity.

“Once built, the bypass will ease congestion in and around Kingston, providing motorists with a quicker, safer trip. The existing Channel Highway running south from Hobart carries as many as 18,000 vehicles a day,” said Mr Albanese.

The bypass is a jointly funded project, with the Bartlett Labor Government contributing $26.5 million and the Rudd Labor Government a further $15 million.

Mr Sturges welcomed the start of work on this vital project, saying the final design is the product of an extensive community consultation process.

“Throughout the design process my Department actively consulted with the Kingston Bypass Action Group and Kingston Bicycle User Group, with the final design developed in collaboration with the Kingborough Council,” said Mr Sturges.

“Responding to community feedback we have incorporated an emphasis on pedestrian networks and dedicated cycle lanes at the new Algona Road roundabout.”

The 2.8 kilometre bypass will leave the existing Channel Highway near the Kingston High School before passing under Summerleas Road and rejoining the highway in the vicinity of the existing Algona Main Road roundabout. A major new roundabout will be built at the junction between Algona Main Road and Huntingfield Avenue.

Franklin MP Julie Collins said the design of the bypass will improve safety and reduce congestion in Kingston, helping to make sure the local road infrastructure keeps pace with the growing population across the Kingborough municipality.

“I am pleased to be delivering on this 2007 election commitment for the people of Kingston, Blackmans Bay and Channel areas,” said Ms Collins.

“I have worked hard to keep the project’s construction timetable on track and will continue to be actively involved as construction progresses.

“The Kingston bypass will become a reality thanks to the work already achieved by the Rudd Government, the State Labor Government and the Kingborough Council.”