Easing COVID-19 restrictions causes bumper to bumper traffic in Hobart

The government has outlined key traffic busting projects after Hobart saw traffic problems return with a vengeance today – but in the short-term, the issue is only expected to worsen.

THE return to school for thousands of Tasmanian students has brought with it a return to traffic congestion.

Despite no accidents being reported, Hobart’s roads were bumper-to-bumper on Monday morning with traffic slowing across the bridge and on major arterial roads.

Traffic in Davey Street Hobart at around 8.45am on Monday. Traffic on the road is increasing again due to the easing of COVID-19 restrictions with the return to school for many students. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

RACT Executive General Manager, Membership and Community, Stacey Pennicott, said she has had reports of increased traffic.

“As COVID-19 restrictions are eased, it’s expected that traffic volumes will increase substantially given community concerns about public transport,” she said.

“Anecdotally, we’re hearing that many people who would usually take public transport are opting to drive instead, which is going to compound infrastructure issues.

“Today we have seen some schools change their drop-off and pick-up points which has added to congestion in some areas.

“We expect that as more year groups return to school in coming weeks, congestion will worsen.

“That’s why we are calling on the Government to fast-track congestion busting upgrades to ease traffic congestion and help stimulate the economy.”

Traffic in Davey Street, Hobart on Monday morning. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

The RACT has called on the State Government to fast-track work on the Derwent River ferry service.

The government committed to the ferry service at the last State Election.

Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said Treasury was reviewing the State’s $3.7 billion infrastructure program to identify projects that can be brought forward, or commenced swiftly.

“We are working hard to reduce traffic congestion in the CBD and on key feeder routes,” he said.

The projects include:

• An extension of tow truck hours to run all day on the Tasman Bridge;
• Tow away signs installed on Macquarie St;
• Clearways on Macquarie St extended by an hour each morning to start from 6.30am; and
• The first of a new fleet of the latest quick response tow trucks arriving to service the Hobart CBD and key feeder routes.

“Work is also already underway on progressing Hobart’s new Southern Outlet transit lane and the Kingborough Park and Ride.”

Mr Ferguson said catching buses was still a safe option.

“With the gradual return of students to school additional cleaning of all dedicated school buses will occur.

“The current fare amnesty is also designed to minimise cash handling and therefore person to person contact.”

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