Construction underway on second heavy vehicle rest area in Westbury

Construction has started on a new Devonport-bound heavy vehicle driver rest area on the Bass Highway at Westbury, delivering improved safety and support for freight operators travelling across Tasmania.

The facility will include a seating area, toilets and lighting, providing heavy vehicle operators with a safe space to stop, rest, and check their loads.

Once complete, the rest area will support safer journeys for all road users by improving fatigue management for heavy vehicle operators travelling along the key freight route between Devonport, Launceston, and Hobart.

The project follows the completion of the Launceston-bound heavy vehicle rest area at Westbury, which opened in June this year. Together, the two facilities will provide dedicated rest opportunities for heavy vehicle operators travelling in both directions along the Bass Highway.

Construction on the Devonport-bound facility will continue into 2027, with completion expected in March 2027.

The project is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments through the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program, with a combined investment of $6 million.

More information about the project can be found here.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Regional Development, Local Government and Territories Kristy McBain:

“It’s great to see construction commence on another heavy vehicle rest area, providing drivers with the facilities they need to take a break, check their loads and manage fatigue, helping them get home safely to their loved ones.”

“Investing in rest areas is important because it improves road safety and provides better support for freight operators travelling across Tasmania. It also delivers benefits for the Westbury community and all those who rely on this key freight route.”

Quotes attributable to Kerry Vincent, Tasmanian Government Minister for Infrastructure and Transport: 

“Our Government continues to invest in the facilities needed to support the State's freight operators, backing in the significant role they play in our economy.

“The new Devonport-bound facility will complement the Launceston-bound facility completed earlier this year, ensuring our truck drivers have access to dedicated rest areas in both directions of the Bass Highway.

“We look forward to sharing further updates on the progress of construction, as we continue to expand Tasmania’s network of heavy vehicle driver rest areas.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Lyons Rebecca White MP:

"Truck drivers spend long hours on the road keeping our shelves stocked, our businesses supplied and our economy moving and they deserve safe places to stop and rest along the way.

"The Bass Highway is one of Tasmania's most important freight routes and with the Launceston-bound rest area already open, it is great to see work now underway at the second facility at Westbury, giving drivers travelling in both directions a safe and comfortable place to take a break. "