Upgrades underway for Zeehan Highway

Work has begun on the improvements to the Zeehan Highway in Tasmania, with almost $44 million in State and Federal funding committed to the upgrade project.

Progress is being made on improvements to the Zeehan Highway from its junction with the Murchison highway to Henty Road in Zeehan, on the west coast of Tasmania.

The Murchison Highway and Zeehan Highway are the main and most direct routes for road users between Rosebery and Zeehan on Tasmania’s west coast. These upgrades will provide a wider and safer road for all road users by curve widening, shoulder sealing, and gravel verges.

The project involves upgrading 4.5 kilometres of the highway to meet modern heavy vehicle standards. Heavy vehicles make up a high percentage of traffic on Zeehan Highway, with nearly 18 per cent of the average 1055 vehicles a day being trucks.

A $10.6 million contract has been awarded to Tasmanian company Shaw Contracting for the Zeehan Highway stage.

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The Australian Government is committing $35 million, while the Tasmanian Government is contributing almost $9 million to the project.

Tasmanian Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said the project would help to increase the safety of both local industries and tourists.

“These works are the latest on the Murchison Highway, with the road already progressively upgraded from Belvoir Road south to Sterling River Bridge,” Ferguson said.

“This investment is crucial to support future increased demand from mining and tourism traffic.”

Construction is expected to be completed in May 2025.