South Arm Highway Upgrade

We completed the Rokeby Stage 3 Corridor Planning Study on the South Arm Highway in 2020.

To help us create designs for the road upgrade, in November and December 2023, we took measurements and collected information about the native animals, plants, soil and heritage in the area.

We consulted with the local community in December 2023. We hosted three drop-in session and online engagement via Social Pinpoint. Feedback was considered and applied to our design, where possible.

Proposed construction periods

The works will be constructed in stages, with indicative timing below:

• South Arm Highway/Acton Road Intersection Upgrade: Late 2026.
• Pass Road to Oakdowns: 2027.

Oakdowns to Acton Road: We will monitor traffic flows to determine when the upgrade needs to be completed.

February 2025

We are upgrading the intersection at South Arm Highway and Acton Road, near Lauderdale Primary School.

A map showing the planned South Arm Highway upgrade below.

The upgrade is funded by the Australian Government and Tasmanian Government, with funding to start building the upgrade available from 2025.

FAQs - Pass Road to Oakdowns

Why are there multiple sets of traffic lights?

The design includes traffic lights at key intersections to improve safety, and the efficient flow of traffic.

Will the increase in traffic lights along this road impact travel time?

The new traffic lights are being installed to improve traffic flow, not slow it down. While some drivers may stop more frequently, the signals will help manage congestion at peak times, reduce delays at side roads, and create a more predictable and reliable journey.

Our traffic modelling shows that the expected residential and commercial growth in the area over the next 5 years will significantly impact travel times and delays if we do not install the traffic lights and widen the road. This would also continue to increase over time.

Why has Pass Road to Oakdowns been prioritised over other sections of the highway?

This project was chosen based on findings from the Rokeby Stage 3 Corridor Planning Study, which showed higher traffic volumes between Pass Road and Oakdowns compared to the section between Oakdowns and Acton Road.

We expect that prioritising these upgrades will best address the project objectives of improving safety and travel time reliability.

Will upgrading the South Arm Highway between Pass Road, Rokeby and Oakdowns impact my property?

We have shared the design and consulted with all impacted property owners before engaging with the wider community. Please contact the project team if you have any questions about your property.

Why hasn’t the gravel path been extended to connect Oakdowns and Lauderdale?

Extending the gravel path is outside the scope of this project. Clarence City Council has been exploring options to install a gravel track between Oakdowns Parade and Lauderdale before any future highway upgrades, and we will continue engaging with them on this. Any updates will be provided on the Transport website.

Why has the South Arm Highway Upgrade been delayed?

During our investigations and planning for this project, we identified potential Swift Parrot foraging habitat near the Acton Road intersection, and several significant trees along the proposed route. We have been working closely with the Australian Government to confirm the final road designs, minimise our environmental impacts and gain approvals. This planning and approval process takes time.

Why has the Droughty Point Road intersection been moved?

Following discussions with TasNetworks, the design of the Droughty Point Road intersection has been relocated further east to avoid oil-filled 110kV underground cables that are unable to be moved.

These critical electrical assets require protection structures to maintain the safety of the cables during and after construction.

The previous intersection design conflicted with the location of the cables, and a redesign of the intersection was required.

What changes will occur for pedestrians?

A pedestrian path will link the northern and southern ends of the existing Droughty Point Road to the new Droughty Point Road signalised intersection.

The pedestrian path on the southern side will connect with a path over the new bridge crossing the Clarence Plains Rivulet which will connect into the track to Emmanual Christian School.

Shared User Path

Following strong community support, we are committed to developing a shared user path along South Arm Road through the Rokeby commercial area.

The proposed path will commence at Reynolds Road and connect with the existing shared path network to Oakdowns, improving connectivity for pedestrians and cyclists.

The project is currently in the early stages of concept development. The design will be developed in collaboration with Clarence City Council, and will be shared with the community for feedback and consultation before the design is finalised.

Is there a park and ride site being planned for Rokeby?

We are investigating a possible site at the corner of South Arm Highway and Tollard Drive, Rokeby.

For information on the progress of this project please visit the website: www.transport.tas.gov.au/rokeby-park-and-ride

Will the project also upgrade the Mornington Roundabout?

The Mornington Roundabout upgrades are being delivered under a separate project by a different team. While both projects are in the same general area, they are not connected in scope, funding, or delivery.

For information on the progress of this project please visit the website: www.transport.tas.gov.au/roadworks/mornington-traffic-solution program

How will the work affect me?

During construction, there will be changed traffic conditions in place, which may include a reduced speed limit, single lane closures, nightworks and stop and go traffic management. Any construction-related impacts will be communicated to the community as we get closer to construction.