Michael Ferguson,Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
Consultation has now started on projects aimed at reducing traffic congestion between Kingston and the Hobart CBD, with residents and businesses encouraged to have their say in the coming weeks.
We know that the Kingborough and Huon Valley regions are growing quickly, with more than 10,000 additional people projected to be living in the regions by 2040.
The Southern Outlet between Kingston and Hobart carries one of the highest daily traffic volumes on our State road network and is at capacity in the morning peak period.
That's why we are taking action to improve congestion, with an integrated suite of projects to be delivered as part of the Hobart City Deal.
The projects combine greater capacity with an extra lane:
*On the Southern Outlet from Olinda Grove;
*At the bottleneck joining Davey and Macquarie Streets; and
*Through into Macquarie Street.
The extra transit lane will be for the exclusive use for buses, emergency vehicles, motorbikes, taxis and private vehicles with three or more occupants.
This will be complemented by new park and ride facilities at Huntingfield and Firthside and up to 70 extra bus services to improve travel along this important road corridor.
The intersection between Davey Street and Macquarie Street will be realigned to include four lanes (up from the current three) from the Southern Outlet into Macquarie Street, as well as the removal of parking and establishment of clearways down to the intersection with Molle St.
On Macquarie and Davey Streets, plans include improved bus shelters at busy bus stops and a new cycling lane on Davey Street.
Community consultation on the concept designs for the transit lane and Macquarie and Davey Street projects will take place from today until Monday, 27 September 2021.
The public can view the designs and have their say to inform the development of detailed designs for the projects by visiting the Transport website, www.transport.tas.gov.au/southernprojects.
The Department of State Growth has been in contact with all property owners that may be impacted and will continue to engage directly with them throughout public consultation period.
A link to the designs can be found at https://files.stategrowth.tas.gov.au/index.php/s/yxV7Rybsj2DQY1L
