Transport WORKS IN PROGRESS
In the next few months you’ll start to notice a number of mobility and transport changes occurring. In October, the city of Hobart will commence work on the long awaited protected cycleways on lower Campbell and Argyle streets connected via both Liverpool and Bathurst Streets. There will be some changes to parking arrangements including the addition of clear ways in peak hour, so please check the signage.
Residents and ratepayers have been calling on council to improve their infrastructure for sometime, and these changes are long overdue. Cycling has many advantages to both the individual and the city. People who chose active transport have been shown to be happier and healthier. And who wouldn’t be happy when you have the wind in your hair and you know you’ll get the best park every single time.
But it also has great advantages for the city and motorists. Every person who choses to cycle is one less car on the road, this means less congestion and more available parking. But its bigger than that. Cycling creates better cities by reducing noise and air pollution. Our streets are safer for pedestrians as there are less 2 tonne Dodge Rams on the road.
Speaking of pedestrians, working in partnership with the State Government, scrambled pedestrian crossings are on trial at the four busiest intersections in Hobart. This means that pedestrians have their own phase to cross the road while all traffic is stopped at red lights. Its mostly about safety after a number of fatal pedestrian accidents in Hobart CBD, but it also increases convenience as pedestrians are free to cross diagonally.
While some road users may notice increased traffic congestion in the CBD since the installation of the scramble crossings, it is not a product of the scramble per se. Instead, the State Government has taken a deliberate decision to change the sequencing of traffic lights to slow vehicle movement through the busiest streets.
Again, this increases inner city vibrancy by decreasing vehicle movements, enhancing amenity and making our busiest retail precinct all about people. At the end of the day, this will increase visitation to the inner city and increase economic activity for the businesses that operate there.
In addition to cycle lanes and pedestrianisation, changes are coming to Macquarie and Davey st with the addition of bus transit lanes on Macquarie and Davey streets. This will make choosing public transport more attractive as routes will be faster and at times, more efficient that driving.
As the city grows, Hobartians have to start considering alternatives to single occupant vehicles. We simply don’t have the space to widen many more roads and we know our network is at 100% capacity in peak times.
But its not all losses for drivers. The expansion of the Southern Outlet will commence with the addition of a longer inbound transit lane with work commencing in late 2024. This will enable drivers who choose to car pool the chance to jump the queues along with busses and emergency services.
The works will be lengthy and expect significant delays and congestion during the construction phase. Please be patient and kind to other motorists during this period. While this significant construction occurs, I would love to see the State Government fast track an express service ferry from Kingborough to the city. What would you prefer to do, sit in traffic or enjoy some fresh sea breeze aboard Hobart’s newest ferry on the way to work. If this mode of transport interests you and you live in Kingborough, consider writing to transport minister, Michael Fergusson, to let him know your thoughts.
Hobart has a bright future, we just have to be patient while it happens.