Westbury Heavy Vehicle Driver Rest Areas

About the project

We are building new Heavy Vehicle Driver Rest Area (HVDRA) sites along the Bass Highway, west of Westbury, to support heavy vehicle operators to take breaks in comfort.

We worked closely with the Tasmanian Transport Association and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to identify suitable Heavy Vehicle Driver Rest Areas. The Bass Highway, between Westbury and Deloraine, was identified as a high priority site to improve driver safety for all road users.

• The westbound HVDRA is located on the Bass Highway (construction underway)
• The eastbound HVDRA is located on the Bass Highway between Exton and Hagley (completed June 2026)

The rest areas will include:

• capacity for up to 15 heavy vehicles to cater for current and future demand for freight on the Bass Highway
• toilets, bins, shelters and lighting
• A deceleration and slip lane to provide access to the rest areas for heavy vehicles.

Designs have been developed in consultation with the Tasmanian Transport Association and landowners where properties will be impacted.

Timing

Construction of the westbound HVDRA began in late August 2026.

We are working between 7:30 am and 6:30 pm, Monday to Friday, weather permitting.

FAQs

Why were these locations selected?

Building Tasmania has worked closely with the Tasmanian Transport Association and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator to identify suitable rest area sites around the state.

The Bass Highway, between Westbury and Deloraine, was identified as a high priority site to improve driver safety for all road users on this busy freight route. Suitable sites were limited by topography, existing infrastructure and utilities and the need to site rest areas away from residences. The eastbound rest area site has been built on acquired land while the westbound site will be constructed on existing Crown Land.

What measures are included in the design to reduce the likelihood of antisocial behaviour?

Both sites have high visibility and are directly alongside the Bass Highway, with around 10,000 vehicles passing per day.

Lighting will be installed to run 24 hours a day to increase safety and comfort for drivers stopping to use the facility. Lights will be placed in spots that won’t impact drivers on the highway or nearby residents.

Anti-graffiti treatments will also be applied to concrete surfaces to reduce vandalism.

Will speed limits change on the Bass Highway as part of the project?

No. Building Tasmania is not considering any changes to speed limits on this section of the Bass Highway.

Will the new rest areas be for tourists and light vehicles as well?

No. The new rest areas are specifically designed to cater for heavy vehicles. We will install appropriate signage that shows that these areas are designated for heavy vehicles only.

How will construction affect you?

Both sites are located as far from residential properties as possible.

Construction of the rest areas involves the use of heavy machinery that will produce some noise.

Working hours will be standard to the road construction industry, occurring between 7:30am and 6:30pm, Monday to Friday.

Most of the construction will be completed without impacting traffic on the Bass Highway, however, a reduced speed limit and single lane closures may be required for some work.

Funding

The Australian and Tasmanian governments are funding the construction of rest areas on Tasmania’s key freight routes as part of the Tasmanian Heavy Vehicle Driver Rest Area Strategy.

The Australian Government is providing $9.6 million through the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, with the Tasmanian Government providing $2.4 million towards the $12 million projects.

Accessibility

If you would like to find out more information and you have accessibility requirements, please contact the project consultation team (details below).

You can find out more about Transport Services' commitment to accessibility.

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