Construction companies interested in building the $48 million Dilston Bypass on the East Tamar Highway have until 4 November to submit their best bid under the tender process being conducted by the Tasmanian Government.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister, Anthony Albanese, and Tasmanian Infrastructure Minister, Graeme Sturges, said the Federal funded project will deliver nearly 2 km of dual carriageway and 7 km of 3-lane highway, as well as replace the existing Barnards Creek Bridge with a new four-lane bridge.

“We are determined to deliver this vital road project as quickly as possible,” said Mr Albanese.

“The Dilston Bypass is what the Rudd Labor Government’s Nation Building for Recovery strategy is all about. It will put Tasmanians to work building the transport infrastructure vital to our nation’s long term economic prosperity.”

The Launceston City Council has approved a revised development application which incorporates a southbound underpass ramp on the southern junction and fog detection speed reduction signs for the northern junction.

Measures to help reduce roadkill will be a feature of the project and already there has been extensive consultation with property owners so as to minimise the impact on farming operations during the construction period.

Mr Sturges said he was pleased to see the project finally going to tender after the delays caused by design changes.

“This project will not only improve the safety of the East Tamar Highway, but will provide an important infrastructure project in Northern Tasmania during a challenging economic time,” said Mr Sturges.

“It will also provide an upgraded road link to the port of Bell Bay.”

The construction contract is expected to be awarded before Christmas, with work getting underway in the New Year.