State clears way for better traffic flow

MACQUARIE and Davey streets are to soon have clearways, priority bus lanes and changed pedestrian crossings after the State Government moved forward with its plans to forcibly acquire the roads from the Hobart City Council.

Acting Infrastructure Minister Peter Gutwein yesterday wrote to the council to advise the Government would use its legislative powers to take over management of the streets.

Hobart Lord Mayor Ron Christie had urged the Government to delay the takeover until a transport report is completed by the end of June. ALEXANDRA HUMPHRIES

However, the Liberal Government pledged the takeover would happen as part of its first 100 days in office after the state election on March 3.

“At the moment the State Government’s responsibility ends where the Southern Outlet meets the couplet, and with the Brooker and Tasman highways heading north,” Mr Gutwein said.

“It seems quite extraord- inary that this particular section is not managed by the one road manager.

“We’ll be able to ensure that we provide sensible solutions such as clearways, importantly bus priority lanes and also pedestrian management on this particular section of road.”

Mr Gutwein said the Hobart City Council did not need to agree to the takeover, which could happen under existing legislation.

The RACT has welcomed the announcement and said changes to pedestrian crossings could be introduced to help improve traffic flow.

The State Government had previously discussed a voluntary takeover with the council but took the option off the table in August 2016 after the council refused to implement some recommendations made in the Hobart Congestion Traffic Analysis report by Keith Midson.

The council did not implement recommendations such as introducing clearways on both roads and removing pedestrian crossings at trafficsignal locations across the city.

Lord Mayor Ron Christie said there were also questions over issues such as parking meters and footpath ownership and he would meet with Mr Gutwein to discuss the takeover.

Alderman Anna Reynolds warned removing on-street parking could change the character of the streets and quality of life of those who use them.

She said it was important pedestrian crossings were retained and enhanced.

“The worst possible outcome would be a badly planned ‘takeover’ that has a marginal impact on traffic flows but creates major impacts for people and businesses in these streets,” she said.