Traffic lights will soon be installed at a ‘dangerous’ Kingston intersection that has seen several crashes in recent years.
The Federal Government has given the Kingborough Council $500,000 to upgrade the busy junction at Church Street and Beach Road as part of their Black Spot Program.
Assistant Minister for Infrastructure and Transport and Senator for Tasmania Carol Brown said their half-a-million-dollar investment for the new set of traffic lights will reduce the risk of collisions, especially at peak times.
“Kingston is one of the fastest growing communities in Tasmania, which is why it’s important we ensure our road infrastructure is kept up to date so they’re safe and fit-for-purpose,” she said.
“This [total] $3.5 million investment into the Black Spot Program is one of many crucial projects that increases road safety and reduces the risk of serious crashes and fatalities, helping keep Tasmanians safe.”
The project is one of many road safety upgrades across the greater Hobart area, including $210,000 to construct a right-turn lane at Acton Park’s Roches Beach Road and $250,000 to install a safety barrier in Cygnet.
Kingborough Mayor Paula Wriedt said the remaining funds for the traffic light project would come from council, which is handing over $250,000.
“This intersection is very busy, with 19 accidents reported over the last 5 years,” she said.
“As part of Road Safety Week, this announcement will improve safety here in Kingston for all road users.”
Elsewhere across the state, $1.2 million will go towards building a new roundabout at the Stony Rise Road intersection with Durkins Road and $350,000 to install traffic signals on High Street in Launceston.
Full list of ‘Black Spot Program’ upgrades across Tasmania:
- Ecclestone Road, Riverside: The road will be reconstructed with improved superelevation and a safety barrier installed, with an Australian Government contribution of $100,000 and a West Tamar Council contribution of $20,000.
- Back Line Road, Forest: A safety barrier will be installed with an Australian Government contribution of $125,000 and a Circular Head Council contribution of $25,000.
- Acton Road and Roches Beach Road, Acton Park: A channelised right-turn lane will be constructed, with an Australian Government contribution of $210,000 and a Clarence City Council contribution of $50,000.
- Beach Road and Church Street, Kingston: Traffic signals will be installed, with an Australian Government contribution of $500,000 and a Kingborough Council contribution of $250,000.
- Stony Rise Road and Durkins Road, Quoiba: A roundabout will be constructed, with an Australian Government contribution of $1,200,000 and a Devonport City Council contribution of $5,000.
- High Street and Howick Street, Launceston East: Traffic signals will be installed, with an Australian Government contribution of $350,000 and a Launceston City Council contribution of $130,000.
- Kensington Street near Glenorchy Primary School, Glenorchy: A wombat crossing will be installed, with an Australian Government contribution of $80,000 and a Glenorchy City Council contribution of $20,000.
- Grove Road and Anfield Street, Glenorchy: Kerb extensions will be installed, with an Australian Government contribution of $180,000 and a Glenorchy City Council contribution of $30,000.
- West Park Grove and Futuna Avenue, Park Grove: A roundabout will be installed, with an Australian Government contribution of $260,000 and a Burnie City Council contribution of $140,000.
- Creamery Road and West Pine Road, Penguin: Improvements to sight distance will be made, with an Australian Government contribution of $105,000 and a Central Coast Council contribution of $20,000.
- Renfrew Circle, Allardyce Avenue, and Macartney Avenue, Goodwood: Raised platform treatments will be installed, with an Australian Government contribution of $70,000.
- Lymington Road, Cygnet: A safety barrier will be installed, with an Australian Government contribution of $250,000.
- Green Hills Road, Stanley: A safety barrier will be installed, with an Australian Government contribution of $100,000.
- Bishopsbourne Road and Wilmores Lane, Longford: The mouth of the junction will be widened, with an Australian Government contribution of $53,600 and a Northern Midlands Council contribution of $26,400.
