Hobart motorists feel traffic crunch during planned roadworks

There has been traffic chaos in Hobart today with one driver taking 45 minutes to move 2km. Find out what has been causing the delays.

Traffic on Sandy Bay Road came to a stand still around noon on Saturday as heavy traffic and numerous lane closures led to grid lock. Picture: SUPPLIED

PLANNED lane closures has caused traffic carnage and delayed Hobart motorists on Saturday afternoon.

The left hand lane of Macquarie St between Harrington and Victoria streets will be closed until 6pm on Saturday, the Department of State Growth has advised, so TasNetworks officers can complete short-notice repairs on an underground cable.

The department said the 50km/h Macquarie St speed limit would also be reduced and the footpath on the north side of the road would also shut.

The planned works appeared to have far-reaching effects for Hobart road users with one motorist telling the Mercury they spent 45 minutes locked in traffic when travelling from Sandy Bay to Hobart.

Roadworks along Sandy Bay Rd on Saturday afternoon are also understood to have contributed to motorists’ delays.

A department spokeswoman said road users are advised to approach the Macquarie St intersection with caution and follow the directions of traffic controllers and signs.