$100 million committed to improving Lyell Highway

The Australian and Tasmanian governments have jointly committed $100 million to improving the Lyell Highway between Granton and New Norfolk.

Work will now start on identifying the improvements, which are expected to include adding lanes, and widening and realigning parts of the highway to improve safety and make travel times more predictable.

The Australian Government committed $80 million in the 2024-25 Federal Budget and the Tasmanian Government committed $20 million during the March state election.

The funding continues the progressive upgrade of the main transport link between Hobart and Tasmania’s west coast.

A $19 million upgrade of the highway between Queenstown and Strahan has recently been completed. This was also jointly funded by the two governments, with the Australian Government committing $15 million.

The upgrade includes eight stopping bays and four passing lanes, and other safety treatments such as adding new safety barriers, road signage and guideposts.

The Tasmanian Government has contracted Aecom Australia to prepare a strategy for improving the entire length of the highway, from Granton to Strahan.

The planning work will help inform how best to improve safety, capacity and the resilience of the highway.

The improvements to the Granton to New Norfolk section will be developed as part of this strategy.

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“The Australian Government is committed to improving safety on Tasmanian roads and cutting travel times for commuters.

“The Lyell Highway upgrade will boost safety and reliability of travel times along narrow sections of the highway.

“This will greatly improve access to tourism hotspots and vital community facilities in New Norfolk and the Derwent Valley.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Senator for Tasmania Catryna Bilyk:

“I’m thrilled the Australian Government continues to invest heavily in Tasmania, helping to keep Tasmanians safe.

“Road safety is a shared responsibility across all levels of government and across the community.

“Upgrading the Lyell Highway will help reduce the risks of serious crashes and fatalities, bolstering road safety.”

Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Attorney-General and Member for Lyons Guy Barnett:

“This new funding supports the Tasmanian Government’s record investment in road and bridge infrastructure and our ongoing commitment to keeping Tasmania moving under our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania's Future.

“About 10,500 vehicles travel between Granton and New Norfolk daily – an increase of 25 per cent over the past 10 years.

“Apart from increasing numbers heading to the West Coast, New Norfolk itself is growing.

“New residential development is attracting more people seeking reasonably priced housing within easy commuting distance of the city.

“These improvements will couple with work currently underway as part of the Bridgewater Bridge project to provide a smoother, more seamless connection with the Brooker Highway.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lyons Brian Mitchell:

“This funding is all about improving motorists’ travelling experiences and making sure that people can enjoy everything Tasmania has to offer on safe roads.

“Our investments in safer roads that are fit for purpose will go a long way in protecting all road users, including tourists, residents and community members.”