Sideling road project kicks off

•  Deputy Mayor Dale Jessup and Mayor Greg Howard speaking on the Sideling Road upgrade that’s due to commence on Monday.  

By Taylor Clyne
August 17, 2022

A project forty years in the making will get underway next Monday when stage one of the $120 million Sideling Road upgrade commences.

Road users will be significantly impacted during the at least two year long project with one lane being used for traffic as well as 40km/h speed limits.

State Growth is advising drivers should allow an extra thirty minute travel time during this work or use an alternative route.

“Work will take place between 7am until 5pm Monday until Saturday and should be finished by May 2024, weather permitting,” the department spokesperson said.

“During construction there will be lane closures and delays. One lane will remain open for most vehicles however the road will be closed to all articulated heavy vehicles (class six and above) which will not be able to access the Sideling during this time.”

The first stage, commencing August 22, will start from Whish Wilsons Road through to the top of the Sideling lookout digging out more than 80,000 cubic metres of dirt from the topside alone.

Mayor Greg Howard said the digging out will take up to six months.

“From then they will be widening the road and lanes, putting the base back on, compacting the shoulders, turn outs, final trimming and sealing.

“All of that will be a slow process before they move onto stage two which will be done from Sideling lookout back to St Patrick’s River.”

Mayor Howard said once completed the benefits to the region will be huge.

“It will significantly increase land values and provide large freight savings for companies, plus a much faster and safer route for residents.”

Deputy Mayor Dale Jessup was elated that upgrade was finally being achieved.

“There have been commitments by both state and federal governments over the past 20-30 years about upgrading the Sideling and we’ve finally actually achieved that now – its fully funded and getting underway next week,” he said.

“It’s a generational improvement to the highway that’s going to benefit all residents, visitors and businesses in the North-East.

“What we may even see is some local transport contractors swap over to higher productivity vehicles once the project is completed too as it will decrease freight costs for businesses.”

For more questions on the work contact Lucy Bennett on 0408 074592 or visit transport.tas.gov.au

Patience is appreciated during the construction.