Kingborough traffic trial
A TEMPORARY roundabout has been installed on the intersection of Channel Highway and Hutchins St in Kingston as part of wider plans to upgrade the highway in 2022.
Kingborough Mayor Paula Wriedt said council was planning the highway upgrades to “create a more welcoming and accessible shopping precinct”, to improve the retail and commercial experiences for residents and visitors and encourage people to shop locally instead of needing to go into the Hobart CBD.
The temporary roundabout will be in place until late October, with data to be gathered on traffic speeds, delays and pedestrian movements to determine if a roundabout or the previous T-intersection is the most ideal option for the area. “It is very difficult in peak hour traffic times to turn right from Hutchins St on to Channel Highway,” Ms Wriedt said.
“At the moment there is very little to encourage motorist to stick to the 40km/h speed limit within the CBD.
“A roundabout ensures motorist must slow on the approach to the intersection and proceed with caution, this not only helps decrease speed, but creates a safer environment for both vehicles and pedestrians.”
If the roundabout is successful and permanently installed it will enable council to install traffic islands on Hutchins St and the southern side of the intersection, which will provide additional crossing points for pedestrians, Ms Wriedt said.
The planned upgrades for 2022 include wider footpaths for pedestrians, extra space for outdoor dining, installation of new trees and street furniture, narrowed travel lanes and more pedestrian crossing points to slow down traffic, improve access for cyclist. There will also be more support for public transport by building a new bus interchange for Hobart bound passengers and upgrading the bus stop for southbound passengers.
“By upgrading the CBD in Kingston, council aims to support the creation of local jobs and attract further investment for Kingborough, diverting people having to travel to Hobart for shopping,” Ms Wriedt said.
“The CBD upgrade will be created in conjunction with the City Deal, which aims to decrease congestion on the Southern Outlet.”