Design call for outlet’s fifth lane bid

THE State Government will today take another step closer to implementing a fifth lane on the Southern Outlet by releasing tender documents for a consultancy on detailed design options for the project.

Consultants will be invited to tender to consider broader community engagement and progress the proposal for a Southern Outlet transit lane, as well as bus priority measures to connect Hobart and Kingston.

The consultancy will also include concept designs for a Park and Ride facility in Kingborough.

The planned Southern Outlet transit lane, part of the Hobart City Deal, forms the blueprint for the State Government’s plan to improve transport across Greater Hobart.

It is the latest in a suite of programs being rolled out across the Hobart road network, including the strategic deployment of new tow trucks to remove vehicles, and the towing of vehicles from clearways on Macquarie St during morning peak hour.

Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson said the Hodgman Government was committed to investing in congesting-busting infrastructure.

“These projects will make public transport a viable option for more commuters and improve travel time reliability,” he said.

“The City Deal is supported by all levels of government and takes an integrated approach, using a variety of transport to improve travel around Hobart.”

Unsuccessful Nelson Candidate during this year’s Upper House elections Richard Griggs, who advocated for improved Hobart transport services during his campaign, welcomed the Government’s Southern Outlet plans but said more should be done now.

“A fifth lane for the Southern Outlet is great but that is going to take a long time to implement, and the traffic congestion in Hobart is happening right now,” he said.

Mr Griggs yesterday said free bus services during peakhour times would be a cost-effective measure that could be easily implemented.

Kingborough Mayor Dean Winter said the project was “an opportunity to make a big impact on traffic congestion”.

“If we can use the project to promote public transport or even carpooling during peak periods, along with investments in park and ride infrastructure, I think we can make a real dent in congestion,” he said.