Work to install the second-to-last section of the Hobart City Council’s new bike lanes between Argyle and Campbell streets will begin this weekend.
The 150m lane on Bathurst Street will connect cyclists to Campbell Street and the Rose Garden Bridge. It will also reduce the road to two lanes during the day and become a clearway during peak hours.
The project has faced several months of delays due to concerns raised by Tasmania Police, which warned that the bike lane could “severely impact the ability of police to respond to the community“.
Right to Information documents obtained by Pulse earlier in the year showed a senior officer within the force had called for work to be paused after it was revealed the council had failed to tow cars parked illegally in the Campbell Street clearway.
Overstaying cars blocked the right lane of traffic, creating chaos for emergency services attempting to respond to incidents. Police feared the same issues would arise on Bathurst Street.
City of Hobart CEO Michael Stretton told Pulse council staff had been working with Tasmania Police since to address the concerns.
“As a result of these discussions, the original plan was amended to designate the left-hand lane along Bathurst Street before Argyle Street as a left-turn-only lane, reducing traffic turbulence outside the Tasmania Police headquarters, which we believe will help alleviate any issues,” he said.
“It is important to note this project is a 12-month trial with no permanent infrastructure, making it easily adjustable, if for instance, Tasmania Police experience any unreasonably adverse impacts.”
One lingering concern is whether vehicles that park in the new Bathurst Street clearway during peak hours will be towed or simply fined.
“Whilst the issuing of an infringement notice to the offending car provides some penalty to the owner/driver, it does nothing to ease traffic congestion,” the police officer said.
Their complaints led the council to designate the bottom of Campbell Street a clearway from 7am to 6pm, pending the appointment of a towing operator.
Stretton said the search for a towing operator had gone out to market twice “without success” since the changes were implemented in July.
“We will continue to monitor prospective contractors and will not hesitate to try a third time if we are confident there is interest in delivering the service at a competitive price,” he said.
From Sunday night, four parking bays will be removed on Bathurst Street and new line markings and other infrastructure installed to accommodate the bike lane.
The final stage of the project on Liverpool Street will be undertaken once the Royal Hobart Hospital redevelopment has wrapped up.
This stage will restore eight car parks, a loading zone and designated parking spaces for police vehicles to the block.
