Highway barrier blunder

Controversial Grove turning lane creates hazard for cyclists

SEVERAL hundred metres of brand-new highway safety barrier installed as part of a controversial road project will be torn out after it was installed by mistake.

The installation of a right turning lane on the Huon Highway on the Grove straight to improve safety for motorists visiting popular Huon Valley attraction Willie Smith’s Apple Shed has created a potentially deadly pinch point for cyclists.

The Government has admitted the safety railing that left just 30cm for cyclists to pass along the side of the 100km/h-speed limit road was a mistake — on what is supposed to be one of the state’s designated priority cycle routes.

The million dollar roadworks earlier this year sparked local protests over the removal of 120 poplar trees along their length.

Locals considered the row of trees to be a scenic landmark at the gateway to the valley.

Local Greens MHA Rosalie Woodruff said the roadworks had been poorly executed.

“The Government have created a high risk for cyclists on the Grove straight,” she said.

“In attempting to fix the congestion risk created by the popularity of Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, they’ve created another hazard. Cyclists are the road users most at risk, and their safety should be the first priority — not an afterthought.”

The general manager of State Roads Shane Gregory told Budget Estimates Committee hearings the barrier had been a mistake.

“The barrier wasn’t originally part of the design but was added late in the piece,” Mr Gregory said.

“That is an error and we are looking at the options to resolve it because it was never intended to be a very narrow shoulder.”

“It is a pinch point at the moment.

“When we take the barrier out, we will seal under the barrier, which isn’t sealed at the moment.”

Labor MP David O’Byrne said the result showed poor oversight of the road works.

“Seeing the photos and seeing the final result of the work, clearly someone wasn’t talking to someone else in terms of the design and build and clearly the space is inadequate for vehicles and cyclists,” he said.

“In our view it’s poor management of these construction contracts. Getting something so simple so wrong is unacceptable and it’s costing someone some money.”

A Government spokesman said the barrier would be ripped out soon.

“We are working with our contractor to schedule this work and it will begin as soon as practicable.”