Analysis of open data published by the department reveals the cost of an upgrade to the government's vessel traffic services, which control shipping movements along the coast, has alone increased from a previously budgeted $15 million to more than $36 million.

TMR also embarked on a project, known as RALPH Replacement, to replace its registration and licensing system as it was "at risk of failing".

Initially expected to cost $500,000, the budget was increased to $774,000 due to software development issues and a change to the schedule approved and project faults identified required another extension of time. The project was later expanded to include an external review.

The cost of a facial image processing system increased by almost $1.8 million due to "unforeseen complexity of the systems and contracts, and increased scope".

Taxpayers will also pay millions more for the new eLearner driver program and the introduction of smart licences.

LNP transport spokesman Steve Minnikin accused the Palaszczuk government of being unable to deliver ICT projects on time and on budget.

"It's alarming that just one government department has racked up a blowout bill of almost $40 million," he said.

"DTMR could be spending that money on new roads or boat ramps."

But Transport Minister Mark Bailey said it was not unusual for project costs to change as new opportunities for increased scope were identified.

"The initial allocated cost for the vessel traffic system supported only the project's implementation [over three years] but now includes not only just its implementation but ongoing service and maintenance over 10 years to keep our reef and vessels safe," he said.

Mr Bailey said 70 of the world's major ports used the new system and it would allow Queensland's vessel traffic services to monitor the movement of ships in real-time, assist with vital navigational information and plan strategic vessel movements.

He said the Palaszczuk government was investing more than $4.9 billion in road and transport infrastructure across Queensland as part of its 2018-19 budget.

Brisbane Times previously revealed a $103 million cost blowout for dozens of Department of Health IT projects and an $800,000 increase for a Queensland Corrective Services initiative.

TAFE Queensland overspent the budget for its student management IT system by $1.4 million, or 32 per cent, last year.

The former Newman LNP government launched the government ICT dashboard in 2013, following two audits and an inquiry sparked by the Queensland Health payroll debacle.