The $130 million upgrade of the Hobart Airport is underway with stage one work to strengthen 829 metres of runway.
Stage one will upgrade the northern end of the runway, stage two the middle and stage three the southern end, with works to be completed by mid-2025.
Hobart Airport CEO Norris Carter said it was exciting to see the works underway in earnest.
“This is a highly technical project with hundreds of expert workers and specialist equipment involved,” Mr Carter said.
“They have a big job on their hands, to unlock direct access to the world for Tasmanian travellers and exporters, and all the opportunities that will come with that.
“Right now, travellers will notice that things are looking a little bit different when they fly in or out of Hobart Airport.
“Travellers can be assured that there is still plenty of runway for safe landings and take-offs, this just ensures we have a safe construction zone.”
Over the course of the project, more than 30,000 tonnes of old asphalt will be removed, and around 100,000 tonnes of new asphalt will be placed.
That is around the weight of two Tasman Bridges.
Approximately 140 workers from airport construction company Downer will be directly involved in the project, including locals, specialist airfield project managers and engineers who have flown in from across the country.
Stage two works on the middle of the runway are scheduled to start in October.
This will include temporarily closing the runway each night after the last flight lands, upgrading an approximately 80-metre-wide strip, and then reopening it before the first flight departs.
Mr Carter said they had worked closely with overnight users to ensure alternate plans were in place to minimise any potential disruptions while this work occurs.
“Like all good things, this will take time, but we’re confident any short-term pain will lead to huge long-term gains for Tasmanians,” he said.
Mr Carter said the $130 million runway upgrade is in addition to Hobart Airport’s $200 million terminal redevelopment and investment of over $20 million in the carparks, forecourt and road network.
IMAGE: The Hobart Airport is being updated with upgrades to the runway, terminal redevelopment and $20 million of investment in carparks, forecourt and road network infrastructure. (PS)
