The project is part of the Northern Roads Program, which includes Batman Highway (A0278), Frankford Main Road (A1044), and Birralee Main Road (A1701). The Tasmanian Integrated Freight Strategy released in 2016 identified the Batman – Frankford - Birralee road corridor as a key regional freight route. It is a strategic connection between the north east and north west of Tasmania.
The Batman Highway West Tamar Highway to Batman Bridge Shoulder sealing is the second tender to be released as part of this program. The major benefits expected to be delivered by the project include improved access for freight vehicles using this route, and will reduce the number of heavy vehicles travelling through the Launceston Central Business District (CBD). In addition, the works will provide safety improvements for all road users travelling on the Batman Highway, Frankford Main Road, and Birralee Main Road corridor by providing increased and consistent width in travel lanes and a 1 metre sealed shoulder.