East Tamar Highway – Priority Projects
We are investigating improvements along the East Tamar Highway between Launceston and Bell Bay.
About the project
We developed the East Tamar Highway – Launceston to Bell Bay Corridor Strategy which provides an assessment of the East Tamar Highway and its ability to meet the current and projected future needs of the region. It considers a range of factors including safety, traffic volumes, vehicle types, and economic and residential growth.
As part of the first package of works, we are currently progressing early designs for improvements at two priority locations in the Launceston area and two near Bell Bay. These projects were prioritised through the development of the East Tamar Highway Corridor Strategy.
Priority projects - South
- University Way intersection improvements
We are assessing options for improvements at the intersection of East Tamar Highway and University Way, Newnham.
We will review options to improve turning arrangements onto University Way and increase capacity and road safety.
The project will also include options to build and construct shared paths for walking, wheeling and riding at the intersection and crossing University Way.
- CBD pedestrian crossing and active transport improvements (Launceston)
With a high volume of vehicles using and crossing Bathurst and Wellington Streets every day, and thousands of pedestrians and cyclists interacting with those vehicles, it is important to improve safety and connectivity for all users.
We will review options for pedestrian crossings and improvements for those who walk, wheel and ride along the highway at various locations in the Launceston CBD.
Priority projects - North of Long Reach
- Long Reach overtaking lane and safety improvements
We are investigating options which include extending the Launceston bound overtaking lane, road widening, road shoulder improvements between Long Reach and Bell Bay.
We will also investigate options to upgrade the bridge barrier at the Four Mile Creek culvert and Low Head rail underpass, and bus stop upgrades near Bridport Road
- Bell Bay Road and junction improvements
We will be improving the intersection between the East Tamary Highway and Bell Bay Road. The project will improve turning conditions at the intersection and deliver improvements on Bell Bay Road, heading into the manufacturing zone.
Current activities
- Bell Bay Road and intersection improvements
We will be conducting geotechnical investigations within the road corridor, for up to two weeks, from Tuesday, 27 January 2026. We will be working between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday. We will let you know if we need to work outside these times.
During investigations, changed traffic conditions will be necessary to allow the works to be completed safely and efficiently. There will be a reduced speed limit and temporary single lane closures at certain times during the works. Please keep to speed limits, follow the direction of traffic controls and signs, and allow up to 15 extra travel time.
Funding
The Australian and Tasmanian Governments are investing $90 million in upgrades to the East Tamar Highway to improve safety, productivity and efficiency.
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.
Contact
If you have any questions about the project, please email East-Tamar-Priority-Upgrades@stategrowth.tas.gov.au or contact our Stakeholder Engagement Consultants Campbell Walker on 0482 166 711, and Kristie Giblin on 0488 227 427.