The Tasmanian government has released two corridor studies for the East and West Tamar highways, which include recommendations for improved paths and other bike riding infrastructure.
There is around $200 million in state and federal funding to implement some high priority study recommendations for both highways, but other projects will have to wait for funding to become available over the coming decades.
East Tamar Highway recommendations
The East Tamar study covers the extent of the highway between Launceston and Bell Bay: www.transport.tas.gov.au/roadworks/road_improvement_plans/east_tamar_corridor_strategy
It identifies 50 actions that could be taken to improve safety and efficiency along the stretch, categorised as high, medium or low priority.
High priority projects that could make it easier to ride include:
- pedestrian crossings at Frankland and Twining streets, which could also be used by people riding
- integrate bicycle lanes, provide advance stop lines and appropriate traffic signal phasing at intersections on Bathurst, Elizabeth, Frederick, Patterson and Wellington streets
- identify opportunities to provide more consistent signage and wayfinding for pedestrians and riders
- provision of shared path between Haig Street, south of University Way and onwards to University Way.

Other lower-priority projects for cycling include:
- shared path upgrades between Brisbane Street and The Esplanade
- shared path along University Way to George Town Road intersection
- off-road shared path between George Town Road and John Lees Drive.
West Tamar highway recommendations
The West Tamar study covers the highway from Launceston to Beauty Point and builds on previous corridor investigations between Launceston and Legana which improved on-road cycling and recommended a feasibility study for a shared path.
It recommends 52 actions to upgrade the corridor, with high priority projects to improve conditions for bike riders including:
- upgrade the Pomona Road intersection to make it safer for people walking and riding.
- upgrades to Legana town centre to improve intersection safety for people walking and riding.
Other actions focused on cycling but set at a lower priority include:
- improving Margaret Street bike lanes
- upgrading the existing shared path between the West Tamar rowing club and Tailrace Centre and extending it to Legana
- extension of shared path from Legana to Rosevears Drive.
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