He told a budget estimates committee the project would improve safety by preventing head-on crashes, and reducing the severity of loss-of- control crashes.

"The road will be widened to provide for a 1.8-metre painted median strip, fitted with a tensioned wire- rope safety barrier, to separate the northbound and southbound lanes," Mr O'Byrne said.

"There will be breaks in the wire- rope safety barrier, as well as right- turn treatments, in two locations at the access to Bradys Lookout, and the Bradys Lookout Road junction."

Mr O'Byrne said between 2004 and 2008, there were nine casualty crashes in the area, including two fatalities and four serious casualty crashes.

"This section of the West Tamar Highway carries about 5500 vehicles a day - including commuter and tourist traffic - and has a significantly higher crash rate than other sections of the highway," he said.