[2] Since the mid-1970s the highway has undergone significant upgrades that have included bypasses and deviations, duplications and grade separations, particularly between Burnie and Launceston.

This stage connected the Bass Highway east of the town with Alexander Street by an elevated roadway over the port access road and rail lines.

[3] Shortly after, on 19 April 1977, the bypass of Devonport was completed with the opening of the final section between Middle Road, Devonport and Don, referred to in that year's Main Roads Annual Report as the 'Devonport to Don Freeway'.

[7] In September 1986, all four lanes over the complete length of 'stage B' of the 'Burnie Expressway' ('Burnie Highway System') were brought into operation.

The 'old' highway alignment between Deloraine and Hadspen is now known as Meander Valley Road,[13] and is promoted as a tourist route.