About the project
The Australian and Tasmanian governments are planning safety upgrades for Sheffield Main Road, between Lower Barrington and South Spreyton.
Construction of the first stage of upgrades to Sheffield Main Road, between Reeves Road at Lower Barrington and Don River Bridge at Acacia Hills will begin in late 2025.
Community consultation is now complete
Thank you to everyone who provided feedback during our May 2025 community consultation.
Detailed design of the section of road between Reeves Road at Lower Barrington and the Don River Bridge at Acacia Hills is currently underway. Construction will start in late 2025.
The dates for design, consultation and construction of the remaining sections Sheffield Main Road, including Don River Bridge to South Spreyton, and Lower Barrington to Sheffield, will be determined once further funding for construction becomes available.
Background
Design and consultation for the Sheffield Main Road upgrades has been progressing since June 2021, with several pauses due to lack of available funding to proceed to construction.
Survey and investigations first occurred in 2021, with land acquisition surveys proceeding in early 2022. Initial discussions with landowners occurred at this time, including potential property impacts and likely accommodation works, however these discussions were paused indefinitely in late 2022.
In late 2024, funding was secured for the 2.36 km section from Reeves Road to the Don River Bridge. A design is almost completed for this section, however with funding now secured, all stakeholders are being engaged with again as the project is resuming.
In March 2025, all stakeholders in the sections from Don River Bridge to South Spreyton, and Lower Barrington to Sheffield were informed that the project is on hold, and they would be reengaged once funding was secured.
Location
This map below shows the section of Sheffield Road this project is focused on.
Funding
The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments under the Australian Road Safety Program.
The key upgrades on Sheffield Main Road, between Reeves Road and Don River Bridge, include the following:
- Road widening, shoulder sealing and improving drainage.
- Upgrades to the junction at Melrose Road and Gillams Road to include dedicated right turn lanes, improving traffic flow and safety.
- Widened lanes and sealed shoulders for all other junctions.
Realignment of the long curve immediately east of Stevensons Road.
The Australian Government is providing $22 million towards the projects under the Road Safety Program, with the Tasmanian Government contributing $5.5 million.
Accessibility
If you would like to find out more information and you have accessibility requirements, please contact the project team (details below).
You can find out more about Transport Services' commitment to accessibility on our website here: https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/accessibility
Contact
If you have any feedback or questions, please contact the project team at sheffieldroadupgrades@stategrowth.tas.gov.au