Hobart traffic woes: Western bypass study to cost $762,000

The State Government has awarded consultants a mega contract to look into alternative traffic routes through the Hobart CBD.

THE State Government will spend more than $750,000 on a consultant to look at ways to divert traffic around central Hobart.

An analysis of the costs and benefits of a western city bypass road was promised by the Liberals under a package of policies to address Hobart’s worsening traffic.

There was $1 million allocated in this year’s state budget to begin investigations into alternative traffic routes through the city.

The bypass would be designed to free up space on city streets by diverting through-traffic. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

Consultants GHD have been awarded a $762,000 contract to conduct a feasibility study.

Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson said the Government recognised the pressure on Hobart’s roads.

“We are committed to delivering on short, medium and long-term initiatives to bust traffic congestion in the greater Hobart area,” Mr Ferguson said.

“As announced in the 2019-20 State Budget, we are undertaking a study into alternative traffic routes through Hobart. Consultant GHD will undertake this project at a cost of $762,000.

This work will consider all possible options, whether it be bypass roads, tunnels, or a mix of both.”

OPINION: ACTION, NOT MORE WORDS, NEEDED ON TRAFFIC WOES

A report on the bypass is due to be provided to the government by March.

Shadow Treasurer David O’Byrne lashed the costly consultancy on the bypass.

“The Hodgman Liberal Government has commissioned so many reports at the taxpayer’s expense that they could build a causeway with them across the Derwent,” Mr O’Byrne said.

“First we hear of yet another study into Hobart’s northern suburbs rail line and now they’re spending $750,000 on a consultant to look into the possible western Hobart bypass — it’s yet another example of the kick-down-the-road attitude of this Government to the big issues.

“The Government, while hypocritically criticising Labor for only producing reports, has also conveniently forgot that it was Labor who moved freight trains out of Macquarie Point and blocking up the CBD when we built the Brighton transport hub which removed thousands of vehicle movements from the CBD.”

A western Hobart bypass, which has been discussed for many years, could separate through-traffic from city-bound and local traffic via a road connecting the Southern Outlet with the Brooker and Tasman Highways.

According to the Liberals’ policy a bypass project would likely require grade-separated roadway crossings at Elizabeth, Harrington, Murray, Argyle and Campbell Streets.

A bypass would join the Brooker Highway near Melville Street and then connect to the Tasman Highway, potentially via a tunnel through the southern side of the Domain.