Government promises eventual fix for rutted road surface

They’re the main roads through Hobart, but the campaign to iron out the kinks and ruts has taken 14 months — and they’re still not fixed. Find out where our worst roads are >>

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LONG-AWAITED fixes for the deteriorating pavement surface on Davey Street will start soon and be completed by the end of the year, the government says.

Local MP Madeleine Ogilvie first raised the problem as an urgent safety issue a year ago. Last week she told state parliament progress was too slow.

“Davey Street is like a soggy birthday cake. The ruts and ridges are out of control,” she said.

“With kids returning to school recently, I have been contacted by many residents eager to know when we can expect substantial works to be completed.”

Independent member for Denison Madeleine Ogilvie is unhappy with the state of the Davey Street road. Picture: Zak Simmonds

The state government took over control of Davey and Macquarie Streets form the Hobart City Council in 2019 as part of a plan to fix traffic congestion in the CBD.

Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson said fixing the roads required carefully planning so works did not make traffic worse.

“We need to do it in stages because we do not want to create too much disruption on one of Hobart’s busiest arterial routes,” he said.

“Stage 1 will commence in the first half of this year, as soon as we have finished the tender assessment, and we expect stage 2 also to occur this year, 2021.”

Ms Ogilvie said the patience of Hobart’s motorists was being tested.

Davey Street, road condition. Picture: Chris Kidd

“It’s time for action. It has taken over a year to even get to this stage. I’m grateful Mr Ferguson has prioritised delivery of this upgrade, but it’s very important that it happens as a matter of urgency.

“The citizens of Hobart and those who pass through the city want to drive on safe roads —

it’s clear that Davey Street is not in great shape and people want it to be made safe.”

Among the changes made since the state government took control of the Davey Street - Macquarie Street couplet was installing peak-hour tow-away clearways.

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