$100m funding to get more works underway on Tasman Hwy Great Eastern Drive

More works will soon get underway to help improve safety and traffic flow along Tasmania’s East Coast as the Australian Government commits $100 million towards the upgrade on Tasman Highway’s Great Eastern Drive. 

The Federal and State Governments are jointly delivering the upgrades to the Tasman Highway, with works to include junction upgrades, road widening and additional overtaking lanes – to be carried out in three separate packages. 

The Australian Government funding for this project is delivering on its $540 million election commitment to upgrade key road corridors in Tasmania. 

The Tasmanian Government is investing $25 million towards this Tasman Highway upgrade as well. 

“The Albanese Government is committed to improving road safety and traffic flow nationwide. 

“That is why we have committed $100 million towards the upgrades to Tasmania’s Great Eastern Drive. 

“We will continue to partner with the Tasmanian Government to deliver critical road infrastructure upgrades Tasmanians need and deserve,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

The first package of works, which commenced in February 2025, is known as the Apsley package and it will include upgrading the section of Tasman Highway between Bicheno and Coles Bay Road turn-off alongside a corner improvement north of Glen Gala Road. 

Works on this section will also involve delivering the east coast’s first Hobart-bound overtaking lane, road widening, and realignment of corners that have high crash rates. 

The second package of works, known as the Triabunna package, will upgrade a 1.3-kilometre section of the Tasman Highway to the north of Triabunna. Designs for this section will be finalised in May 2025. A construction tender is due to be advertised in mid-2025, with major works to begin later this year. 

The third package of works – the Lisdillon package – will upgrade a 13-kilometre section of the Tasman Highway between Pontypool and Rocky Hills. This package is still in the early planning stages. 

“The Tasmanian Liberal Government is focused on building safer and more efficient roads all around the State. 

“We are contributing $25 million towards these upgrades which will provide a safer and smoother experience along the Great Eastern Drive for locals, freight operators, and the growing number of tourists visiting the State. 

“The highway has had several upgrades under this project since 2018, prioritising areas that improve safety and drive increased tourism to the many iconic and regional locations on the State’s East Coast. 

“The upgrades have been heavily influenced by feedback from the community, several councils, and other key stakeholders on multiple occasions since 2019,” TAS Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent said. 

Source: Premier of Tasmania – Latest News; Tasmanian Government – Transport Services; Roads & Infrastructure Australia