Tasmanian Road Projects

See what road projects the government is working on and what designs are put in place to improve conditions for bicycle riders.

The Tasmanian Government has a policy to consider bike riders when its building new roads or upgrading existing roads, so some of these projects may also include new bicycle paths, lanes, sealed shoulders, crossings or lights. 

Southern Tasmania

South East Traffic Solution: www.transport.tas.gov.au/road/projects/southeasttrafficsolution

Multiple small projects to improve the traffic flow between Hobart Airport and Sorell. This booming residential area should have a continuous bicycle corridor but at the moment it is fragmented and not direct.

  • On-road painted bicycle lanes have been included for the Hobart Airport Interchange.
  • An shared cycling and walking path has been proposed between Hobart Airport and the first causeway.
Sorell to Hobart planning study: www.transport.tas.gov.au/road/projects/sorell_to_hobart_planning_study

This study has recommended a shared pathway along the Tasman Highway between Mornington and the Tasman Bridge, and between Warrane Primary School and TasTAFE, and on-road cycleways along Riawena Road, Bastick Street, Bligh Street, and Gordons Hill Road between Bligh St and Toogood Drive.

Domain Highways Planning Study: www.transport.tas.gov.au/road/projects/domain_highways_planning_study

Takes in the Domain Highway, Brooker Highway and Tasman Highway around the Queens Domain. Consultation has occurred and consultants are now formulating options. There is potential here to provide safer connections to the Queens Domain for bike riders and a shared path along the Brooker Highway.

Channel Highway Planning Study: www.transport.tas.gov.au/road/projects/ChannelHighwayplanningstudy

The final report was released in September 2020 and has recommended:

  • a feasibility study for a shared path from Margate to Huntingfield
  • shoulders widened and sealed to a consistent standard of 1.5 metres
  • pedestrian and cycling bridge at North West Bay River
  • better access to bus stops for people riding
Huon Highway Sandfly intersection upgrade: 
www.transport.tas.gov.au/projectsplanning/road_projects/south_road_projects/huon_highway_-_sandfly_road_-_intersection_safety_upgrade

This project includes provision for cycling needs at the intersection as it is part of the popular Commando loop ride.

Lyell Highway Ouse to Strickland shoulder sealing: www.transport.tas.gov.au/projectsplanning/Recently_completed_road_projects

The Lyell is a popular leg for cycling tourists taking in the west coast. Shoulder sealing is being done to improve safety for motor vehicles but it will improve space available for comfortable riding.

Southern Outlet fifth lane: www.transport.tas.gov.au/road/projects/southern_outlet_fifth_lane

Options are being worked on to add a fifth lane to the Southern Outlet for buses and emergency services. Consultation happened in 2018 but not mention was made of adding a cycling option to the outlet.

Tasman Highway Great Eastern Drive:
www.transport.tas.gov.au/projectsplanning/road_projects/north_east_road_projects/tasman_highway_-_great_eastern_drive

This is a collection of projects designed to make the road easier to drive on but no mention is made of the fact it’s the most popular tourist riding location as well. We’d expect any road widening to seal shoulders to give touring cyclists a more comfortable space.

Richmond Road masterplan: www.transport.tas.gov.au/road/projects/richmond_road_master_plan

Shoulders along sections of Richmond Rd are being sealed which will benefit riders, as Richmond Rd is a popular cycling route, although the surface will be spray sealed rather than asphalted which can leave chips in the shoulder. Once all the sealing is done the department will review the speed limit.

Northern Tasmania

Evandale Road duplication between Launceston Airport and Breadalbane roundabout: 
www.transport.tas.gov.au/projectsplanning/road_projects/north_east_road_projects/evandale_road_duplication_-_launceston_airport_to_breadalbane

With more people coming and going from the airport with bikes as tourists or workers, the project should include provision for bicycle facilities or at the very least wide, sealed shoulders.  

West Tamar Highway projects: www.transport.tas.gov.au/projectsplanning/road_projects/north_east_road_projects/west_tamar_cycling_safety_improvements

This project involves widening and sealing the shoulders which will benefit the many cyclists who use this as part of their training loops. Consultation has closed and final designs are up on the website, construction began in 2020.  

Goderich Street – Intersection upgrades: www.transport.tas.gov.au/projectsplanning/road_projects/north_east_road_projects/goderich_street_-_intersection_upgrades

The Invermay Master Traffic Plan has identified the Goderich and Forster streets intersection and Goderich and Gleadow streets for upgrade to improve traffic flow but still cater to people walking and cycling to the university. 

North West Tasmania

Bass Highway, Cooee to Wynyard planning study 
www.transport.tas.gov.au/projectsplanning/road_projects/north_west_road_projects/bass_highway_-_cooee_to_wynyard_planning_study

Suggestions to improve traffic flow along the highway include a new bridge over the Cam River but bike riders will be sent to the yet to be built North-West Coastal Pathway.

Bass Highway, Leith overpass: www.transport.tas.gov.au/projectsplanning/road_projects/north_west_road_projects/bass_highway_-_leith_overpass

Options have been developed for overpasses over the Bass Highway to connect residential areas of Turners Beach with Leith and Forth. No bicycle infrastructure was detailed in option designs but a path on an overpass could be useful for residents trying to avoide the high speed, high volume traffic on the Bass Highway.

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