Roadworks above and below ground on the main road through Kingston have sent many on ‘traffic-jammed-detours’ around the CBD this week, as contractors work to complete the ‘mammoth and much needed’ redevelopment.
A new bike lane, 3-metre wide footpaths, extra parking spaces and bus terminal are all part of the works, which will see the CBD section of the Channel Highway remain closed for the next 9 weeks – with the full project expected to be finished in around 10 months.
The Kingborough Council say while there will continue to be some changes to the layout of the works, they are confident traffic disruption is being kept to a minimum, with Mayor Paula Wriedt adding the temporary inconveniences will be “well worth it once the CBD is upgraded.”
FEB 7: New bus interchange for Kingston as CBD redevelopment kicks off
Kingston is about to have an all new bus interchange as the Kingborough Council starts work on the reconstruction of the suburbs CBD along the Channel Highway.
The improvements will be carried out from Hutchins Street to Freeman Street and are set to begin on February 14.
One of the key features of the upgrade is the construction of a new bus interchange at 40 Channel Highway, which will take Hobart-bound buses off the highway – ‘freeing up more parking and improving the travel experience for bus users’.
The bus interchange will be located at the corner of Goshawk Way and Channel Highway.
During the construction of the bus interchange, the council say a few all-day parking spots in the John Street carpark will be unavailable, with the entry and exit points to the carpark also set to be relocated to Goshawk Way.
“Skipper Lane carpark has 152 all day carparking spaces available, which we are confident will be able to absorb any loss in parking from John Street carpark.”
The upgrades to the CBD will also include the improvement of the south-bound bus area on Channel Highway, with the addition of a new bus shelter and seating area.
To speed up construction and reduce costs, a small section of the Channel Highway from John Street to Hutchins Street will be closed to traffic at the end of February for approximately 10 weeks.
“Although traffic will be restricted, pedestrians will have access to all the businesses and services on the Channel Highway during construction.”
“Council is confident that traffic disruption will be kept to a minimum.”
Alternative bus stops will be opened on Church Street for inbound and outbound commuters during the closure of the Channel Highway.
The design for the CBD upgrade, which was agreed by the Kingborough Council in December 2022, includes more street trees, a bike lane for southern-bound cyclists, 3-meter wide footpaths, extra parking spaces, enhanced seating and shelters for bus commuters, new zebra crossings, traffic calming measures and street furniture and art.
The contract for the CBD upgrade was awarded to BlackCap Construction at a Council Meeting in December 2022.
