Almost $1.6 billion will be invested in the state’s roads and bridges over the next four years, delivering new and improved infrastructure while supporting jobs and boosting the economy.

The 2025-26 Budget builds a better Tasmania: now, and for the future – and ensures that Tasmanians can get home to their loved ones safely and sooner.

The Tasmanian Government will invest $400 million over the next 12 months to progress projects on key freight routes and reduce travel times.

New funding includes $34 million – jointly funded by the Australian Government - for upgrades to one of Tasmania’s most important freight routes – the Ridgley Highway – which links the north west and west coast and is a corridor to mining, forestry and tourism industries.

Minister for Infrastructure, Kerry Vincent, said the Government is building big to support jobs, industry and the economy.

“With the state’s largest transport infrastructure project – the New Bridgewater Bridge, and the 10-year Midland Highway Action Plan nearing completion, the Tasmanian Government has set its sights on what’s next.

These improvements include:

• The start of a major multi-year program of improvements to the Arthur Highway;
• Ongoing major investment in the Bass Highway between Launceston and Devonport;
• Progressing plans for the Devonport to Cradle Mountain Corridor;
• Upgrades to the East and West Tamar Highways;
• Ongoing upgrades to Illawarra Road;
• Safety and efficiency improvements to the Ridgley, Murchison and Zeehan Highways;
• Construction of the Northern Access Road, which will directly connect the Port of Hobart to our State’s highway network and enable further activation of the broader Macquarie Point precinct; and
• Further investment in the South East Traffic Solution between Hobart and Sorell, including the duplication of Midway Point and Sorell causeways and the Tasman Highway.

Minister Vincent said the Budget reconfirms the Government’s commitment to many major road and bridge upgrades that would benefit all Tasmanians, however, acknowledges that several projects are awaiting Australian Government funding support.

These include the Tamar River Bridge, Brooker Highway upgrades, and Wielangta Road upgrades.

“We will continue to advocate to the Federal Government for co-investment in these projects, ensuring Tasmania receives its fair share.

The 2025-26 Budget also continues the Government’s 25 per cent uplift to the road maintenance investment, ensuring we maintain the quality of our existing roads as a priority.

“The 2025-26 Budget continues to deliver our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future. It continues to ensure we have a strong economy by backing business and economic growth,” Minister Vincent said.