The Hobart City Council will wind back a key change made during its Collins Street bike lane trial after traffic gridlock plagued the Centrepoint car park over Christmas.
Victoria Street will soon return to two exit lanes onto Collins Street, reversing a single-lane configuration introduced in the trial’s first stage.
Deputy Lord Mayor Zelinda Sherlock said the change responded directly to issues during the busy shopping period.
“The single-lane exit on Victoria Street improved pedestrian safety for most of the trial, but it created delays during the pre-Christmas peak,” she said.
“Trials allow us to respond to real-world conditions.”
“Returning the exit to two lanes lets us test how this change influences the block’s overall function.”
The council will now push ahead with the second stage of works on Collins Street between Victoria and Murray streets from Monday.
The six-week construction program will remove parking on the northern side of the street to make way for a dedicated cycle lane and shift a bus stop into the traffic lane.
The stop, used by SkyBus airport travellers, will operate from within the lane next to a raised boarding platform – similar to tram-style stops used in other cities.
A solid white line will prevent drivers from overtaking stopped buses, while cyclists and motorists must wait behind until buses move on.
Other changes include new line marking, coloured surface treatments, bollards, outdoor dining infrastructure and planter boxes.
Sherlock said the platform bus stop would “make bus travel safer and more convenient”.
“It’s a proven design used worldwide and this trial will show how it works in Hobart,” she said.
“We know it’s a change – that’s why we’re trialling it. We want to see how the community uses the space and how it supports more sustainable travel choices.”
“Ultimately this is about balance – supporting local business, improving safety, keeping our car parks flowing and giving people more ways to travel comfortably.”
Fullers Bookshop director Tim Jarvis said he initially had reservations about changes to the street his store operated on since 2009.
“I’ve worked with the council, and the council office have been really receptive, and I feel like we’ve landed in a good place,” he said.
“I’m feeling cautiously optimistic that it will be a good move for the local area.
Construction will run from 7am to 6pm with some night work for line marking.
Parking on the northern side of Collins Street will be temporarily removed during construction to accommodate the relocated bus stop.
The Collins Street project has divided locals since it was announced, with the state government withdrawing funding in 2024 over community concerns.
The council ultimately used contingency funds, typically reserved for emergency cost overruns, to proceed.
