Duplication of Midway Point and Sorell Causeways

About the project

The upgrade will double the amount of space for vehicles, improving traffic flow, and include shared walking and cycling paths, while retaining access for recreational fishing on McGees Bridge. It will include a new bridge to the north of the existing McGees Bridge. The level of the causeways will be raised to ensure minimal road closures of the causeways during major weather events.

This project will widen and heighten two important Tasman Highway sections, increasing the highway from two to four lanes along the causeways. It will also deliver a second bridge next to McGees Bridge.

Duplicating the causeways to provide two lanes in each direction will tie in with the completed Midway Point Intersection Solution and maximise the benefits of the other South East Traffic Solution projects.

Raising the level of the causeways will address sea level rise resulting from climate change and deliver a higher standard of service during storm events.

Current situation

This is a complex project with a variety of environmental considerations including the presence of:

• an internationally listed Ramsar wetland
• a state Nature Conservation Area
• nationally listed threatened species.

In-depth environmental studies are underway to ensure minimal impact to these values and obtain the required environmental approvals.

The video at this link explains the environmental studies for this project.

It is expected that works will commence during 2024, subject to the required environmental approvals being obtained.

Community consultation

In early 2022 we asked the community for feedback on upgrading the Midway Point and Sorell causeways.

A copy of the Community Consultation and Feedback report can be viewed here.

The upgrade will include shared walking and cycling paths and retain access for recreational fishing on McGees Bridge.

Further consultation with the community will occur during 2024 and used as input to develop and complete the design.