A long-awaited expansion of the South Arm Highway will soon add two lanes to a congested stretch between Rokeby and Lauderdale, with designs now open for public feedback.
The project will widen the highway from two to four lanes between Pass Road and Oakdowns Parade, with construction expected to begin in 2027.
Because space along Rokeby’s commercial strip is too limited to widen the existing road without demolishing businesses, a new section of highway will be built to bypass the area.
The new route will run southwest of the current highway, between Bayview Secondary College and Horsham Road.
From Pass Road to the college, the extra lanes will fit within existing road reserves.
Traffic lights will be installed at key intersections along the upgraded route.
Traffic modelling shows that without the new signals and lanes, residential and commercial growth over the next five years would lead to longer travel times and heavier delays.
The $55 million project will also deliver dedicated bike paths, upgraded bus stops, improved pedestrian crossings and new parkland alongside the expanded roadway.
Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent said the upgrade would ease congestion for eastern shore commuters travelling into Hobart’s CBD.
“This project will improve travel choices for commuters, reduce congestion and increase road user safety for the eastern shore community,” he said.
The project has faced delays due to environmental concerns after potential swift parrot foraging habitat was identified near the Acton Road intersection, along with “several significant trees” in the proposed corridor.
A separate intersection upgrade at South Arm Highway and Acton Road, near Lauderdale Primary School, is set to start earlier, with construction beginning in early 2026.
A second stage of works – widening the highway from Oakdowns to Acton Road – has no confirmed timeline or funding and will proceed based on future traffic data.
The federal government is contributing $44 million to the project, with the state government providing the remaining $11 million.
Public feedback on the designs are open until November 10.
