The Rudd Labor Government has approved $10.5 million to start work in April on the $164 million Brighton Bypass.

This brings forward construction on this vital project by more than six month, part of the Rudd Labor Government’s $4.7 billion ‘Nation Building’ plan to support jobs, families and businesses during the current global economic downturn.

In the short term this plan will stimulate local economies and support local jobs, while putting in place the modern, well-planned transport infrastructure necessary for long term economic growth.

Construction of the 9.5 kilometre, dual carriage Bypass will create up to 380 direct jobs.

Once completed in mid 2012, the Bypass will support the rapidly expanding Brighton Industrial Estate; take vehicles off Brighton streets; cut travel times between Hobart and Launceston; and improve access to port facilities at Triabunna and the proposed Brighton Transport Hub.

More than 15,000 vehicles a day currently use the Brighton section of the Midland Highway.

The bypass will also improve safety along a section of Highway which has witnessed 59 crashes between 2003 and 2007.

The Rudd Labor Government’s ‘Nation Building’ plan is putting people to work building and modernising the infrastructure that will keep the Australian economy growing and its businesses internationally competitive.

In addition to fast tracking work on the Brighton Bypass, our commitments to Tasmania total half a billion dollars over six years and include:

• $164 million for the Brighton Bypass;


• $15 million toward the Kingston Bypass;


• $10.75 million toward the refurbishment of the Bridgewater Bridge and the Midland-Lyell Highway Junction upgrade; and


• $5 million toward planning for the Bagdad Bypass and construction of a new Bridgewater Bridge.