Road routes in Tasmania assist drivers navigating roads in urban, rural, and scenic areas of the state. The route numbering system is composed of National Highway 1, and three categories of alphanumeric routes: 'A' routes, which are the state's most important arterial roads; 'B' routes, other important sub-arterial and connecting roads; and 'C' routes, significant minor roads.
The current route numbering system was introduced in 1979, based on the British alphanumeric system from 1963. The new system aimed to upgrade the signing of destinations, including previously unmarked roads, and to simplify navigation by allowing visitors to follow numbered routes. There have been various changes to the system over the years, including a few minor adjustments after a 2011 review by the Road Route Code Advisory Group.
For the purpose of allocation of route numbers the state has been divided into eight zones, each delineated by major highways. Where possible the numbering of zones was chosen from adjacent highway route numbers. With a few exceptions all routes in a zone have a number that commences with the zone number. Thus, A7, B71 and C701 are all in zone 7.
Zone 1 covers a section of the north coast and a substantial inland area to the south, reaching almost to Hobart. It is delineated as follows:
Zone 2 covers the north-west corner of the state, from the Zone 1 western boundary to the coast as far south as Macquarie Harbour. King Island is included in this zone.
Zone 3 covers the south-east corner of the state, including the northern part of Hobart. It is delineated as follows:
Zone 4 covers a section of the north-east of the state, from the Zone 3 northern boundary to Zone 8, which occupies the north-east corner of the state. It is delineated as follows:
Zone 5 covers a section of central Tasmania to the west of National Route 1, which separates it from Zones 3 and 4. It is delineated as follows:
Zone 6 covers the area south and west of the Derwent River and south and west of the A10 road as far west as Derwent Bridge. Bruny Island is included in this zone.
Zone 7 covers the area west of the Tamar River to National Route 1 from Devonport to Deloraine, the B54 road from Deloraine to National Route 1 at Travellers Rest, and National Route 1 from Travellers Rest to Launceston. It also includes a small area north of Launceston, east of the Tamar, west of the A8 road (East Tamar Highway) and south of the B73 road (Batman Highway)
Zone 8 covers the north-east corner of the state, east of the Tamar River. Its southern road boundaries are:
Flinders Island is included in this zone.
These are the state's most important arterial roads.
These are other important sub-arterial and connecting roads.
These are significant minor roads.
Official tasmanian touring routes.
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