The West Tamar Highway upgrades aim to improve safety for pedestrians, drivers and cyclists. Photo: Jeremy Rockliff, Facebook.
Works to duplicate Tasmania’s West Tamar Highway in Legana have been completed, delivering a safer and faster route for motorists in the state’s north.
The project is part of the second stage of the Northern Road Package, a joint Commonwealth/Tasmanian Government investment worth $420 million to improve the East and West Tamar Highways and the Bass Highway.
The Commonwealth has committed most of the funding, putting forward $336 million, while the Tasmanian Government has earmarked $84 million.
The project, which began in 2024, has now delivered two additional lanes in each direction between Freshwater Point Road and Acropolis Drive in Legana, reducing travel time and improving safety along the highway.
The upgrade included new pedestrian and active transport facilities, such as two new pedestrian crossings, new bike paths at several intersections and a shared pathway for pedestrians and cyclists.
“The Australian Government’s partnership with the Tasmanian Government continues to yield massive dividends for northern roads,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said.
“The West Tamar Highway duplication in Legana is a shining example of targeted infrastructure investment that solves very real, daily challenges for local motorists.
“With this project now complete, we can see how this duplication directly saves commuters time and lives by easing congestion and delivering a smoother, safer road, which also ensures less time is spent sitting in traffic.”
The improvements have been delivered to one of Tasmania’s fastest-growing regions, and one of its important freight and tourism routes.
More upgrades are also planned for the West Tamar Highway at Travallyn and Riverside.
Member for Rosevears Jo Palmer said: “The West Tamar Highway is one of the busiest commuter routes in northern Tasmania. These upgrades will make it safer and more efficient for everyone who uses it.
“With Legana being one of the fastest-growing areas in Tasmania, it’s important our roadways are contemporary and can cope with the town’s future growth, which is what this upgrade delivers.”
