Traffic fix is on the way, says new Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson

UPDATED: A new congestion busting solution for key Hobart roads will be put into action within weeks.

RAPID response tow trucks could be on standby at Hobart traffic hotspots within weeks as new Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson steps up the Government’s plan to bust congestion.

Mr Ferguson said the vehicles would enable the quick resolution of minor incidents to keep traffic flowing.

Hobart motorists suffered long delays on Tuesday after a minor crash caused a major traffic jam which stretched as far as Margate.

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Mr Ferguson said the tow truck plan was top of his list.

“We are implementing an Incident Management Plan that will allow us to respond more immediately to congestion-causing incidents on our road network,” he said.

“I will be considering a proposal to extend the existing tow truck service for the Tasman Bridge to operate between 7am and 6pm on weekdays, which will begin from 5 August.

“I will also be considering the phase-in of a similar service from 2 September during the morning and afternoon peaks on the Southern Outlet, Macquarie and Davey streets, followed by Brooker Highway, Domain Highway, Tasman Highway and East Derwent Highway.”

Commuters grind to a halt on Southern Outlet after a crash blocks traffic. Picture: DAVID KILLICK

The Government has promised changes including a fifth lane on the Southern Outlet, a Derwent River Ferry Service, bus priority lanes, traffic incident response team and a Future Hobart Transport Master Plan.

Mr Ferguson said some of the changes made to traffic were hard to see, but were making a difference.

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Michael Ferguson. Picture: ZAK SIMMONDS

“Since taking over management of Macquarie and Davey streets we have made changes to a number of traffic signals across the CBD to improve traffic flow, and vehicles disrupting traffic flow by illegally parking in clearways can now be towed away,” he said.

Mr Ferguson also said there were longer-term plans underway to try to reduce the impact of traffic congestion for Hobart motorists.

“The first round of stakeholder engagement has been completed on the Southern Outlet fifth lane, with work progressing well on a number of options being drawn up to get feedback on.

“The Tasmanian Government is continuing to progress planning for the introduction of a ferry service on the Derwent River, initially to establish a service between Hobart and Bellerive. The Department of State Growth and Metro Tasmania are progressing work to identify required infrastructure improvements.”

Mr Ferguson spent his first day in his new ministerial position inspecting road facilities of a different kind — new underground penguin crossings and roadside fencing, delivered as part of the recent upgrade of Bruny Island Main Road at The Neck.