Construction of Grueber Avenue has commenced, paving the way for the extension of the Hobart Airport runway.
Enabling works commenced in July following final approval of the Hobart Airport Runway Major Development Plan earlier this year.
Phase two, the construction of the runway extension itself is planned for commencement over the summer period, with all works on the $40 million project set for completion by March 2018.
Grueber Avenue, named after Tasmania’s first airhostess Margurite Grueber, will enable the Seven Mile Beach community to have continued access following the closure of Surf Road to vehicle traffic. Surf Road will remain open for pedestrian, cycle, and other non-vehicular access.
The 500m extension has been enabled through funding assistance of $38 million from the Australian Government, and an additional $2 million from Hobart International Airport Pty Ltd.
The runway extension is a key project under Hobart Airport’s $100 million redevelopment plan set to transform our state’s busiest gateway.
Redevelopment projects include an extensive $25 million redevelopment of the airport’s passenger terminal, featuring a larger departure lounge, centralised areas for arrivals, international passenger processing areas, as well as a range of exciting new retail and dining spaces.
This is in addition to the $40 million invested in key infrastructure projects over the past three years.
“The runway extension is an important infrastructure project for Hobart Airport and the state of Tasmania,” said Mr Parry.
“It will enable direct flights between Hobart and South East Asia for the first time and will greatly enhance Hobart’s role as a gateway to the East Antarctic by increasing the airport’s capacity to take heavier planes.
“The project has been planned in detail with government regulators and our airline partners to ensure the uninterrupted and safe operation of the airport during construction.”
Hobart Airport continues to experience strong growth with more than 100,000 new passengers arriving each year over the past three years.
The runway extension project continues a busy period for Hobart Airport which has included the relocation of security screening systems, construction of a new car park and the installation of new airfield lighting systems.
Hobart Airport is also undertaking a terminal redevelopment with the new arrivals area due for completion in October this year.
The terminal redevelopment is being undertaken in partnership with our airline partners Qantas, Virgin Australia, Jetstar and Tiger Airways; car rental partners Hertz, Bargin, Budget, Avis, Thrifty, Europcar and Redspot; food and beverage partner SSP and retail partner Australian Way.
Melinda Percival, General Manager Airline Marketing and Corporate Affairs
