Tasmania needs roads upgrade, says Auslink draft report

<p>Road improvements are at the centre of the newly released draft Auslink Tasmanian Corridor Strategy, but there is an intention to improve rail efficiency as well.</p> <p>&#8220The increase in the role of northern ports for freight originating in southern Tasmania may benefit from a program of interrelated road and rail improvements on the northern approaches to Hobart,&#8221 the draft report said. </p> <p>It noted that the shift of southern state exports from the port of Hobart had put extra pressure on highways to northern ports.</p> <p>A new bridge across the Derwent was also needed</p> <p>&#8220Tasmania’s narrow gauge rail system needs investment in infrastructure (and rolling stock by the operator) to improve efficiency and productivity,&#8221 the draft report said. </p> <p>&#8220The most significant factors inhibiting rail’s ability to increase freight market share between Hobart and the northern ports is the 48-hour turnaround time between Hobart and Burnie, and the limited load capacity.&#8221</p> <br />