Ten sets of electronic warning signs will soon be installed along the most hazardous and winding sections of four of Tasmania’s busiest transport routes, technology which will make these roads safer by alerting drivers to any oncoming trucks.

The ten projects worth $1.5 million have been approved under the second and final funding round of the Rudd Labor Government’s $70 million Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program.

The installation of electronic warning signs will go a long way to making the Tasman Highway as well as Poatina Main, Esk Main and Anthony Main roads even safer, with the necessary planning work starting soon and all ten projects expected to be completed by the second half of next year.

Today’s announcement is in addition to the bridge strengthening projects funded under the Program’s first round.

Since coming to office, the Rudd Labor Government been working with the trucking industry, as well as the states and territories, to address the lack of modern roadside facilities and improve safety for truck drivers as well as the motorists that share the roads with them.

In the years ahead, the industry will also benefit from the unprecedented investment we’re making in the State’s highways as well as the 2013 introduction of one set of nationwide heavy vehicle laws administered by a single national regulator.

Nationwide, the Heavy Vehicle Safety and Productivity Program has to date funded 34 new and 59 refurbished rest stops; 9 new and 18 refurbished parking bays; 5 new and 16 refurbished decoupling bays; 15 bridge strengthening projects; and the installation of 14 sets of warning signs.

The projects were selected following consultations with the trucking industry.