Drivers frustrated by one of southern Tasmania’s busiest intersections have been given their first look at how the long-awaited Mornington roundabout upgrade will begin.
The state and federal governments have released draft designs for a new interchange linking Gordons Hill Road to the Tasman Highway and are asking the community for feedback.
It is the first of four projects planned under the $100 million Mornington Area Road Improvement Program.
The interchange is intended to give Tasman Highway traffic a more direct route to Rosny Park while easing pressure on Cambridge Road and the Mornington roundabout ahead of the larger upgrade.
The plans include a new on-ramp from Gordons Hill Road to the highway, upgraded footpaths and crossings and traffic lights at the Gordons Hill Road and Bligh Street intersection.
Making room for the works would require a bus stop to be moved, a roundabout removed and 17 parking spaces lost along Bligh Street and Gordons Hill Road.
Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent said the interchange was the first step in the broader upgrade.
“The Gordons Hill Road interchange is the first of several projects being delivered to improve safety and traffic flow for those living or travelling through the Mornington area,” he said.
Vincent said community feedback would help shape the final designs.
The project has previously caused friction between the state and federal governments, with local federal MP Julie Collins accusing the state of dragging its feet and Vincent blaming delays on federal environmental laws.
Collins, who has long pushed for the upgrade, welcomed the latest progress.
“I’m pleased to see some progress being made on this important project that will service the eastern shore area for years to come,” she said.
Designs for a proposed off-ramp are still being reworked to reduce impacts on Kangaroo Bay Rivulet.
They are expected to be released later this year alongside plans to replace the Mornington roundabout with traffic lights.
Feedback is open until October 5 through the Building Tasmania engagement website, with information sessions to be held later this month.
