People walking and riding between North Hobart and the Hobart CBD will soon get a new shared path and dedicated bike crossing, with work starting on Burnett Street this week.
The Hobart City Council will begin work on Wednesday on a 2.5-metre-wide shared path along the southern side of Burnett Street.
It will run between the Argyle and Campbell street intersections, replacing what the council has described as an “ageing” footpath.
The project also includes a dedicated bicycle crossing and traffic signal to help riders safely cross Burnett Street.
Links between the existing bike lanes on Argyle and Campbell streets will also be improved.
A “lesser-used” right-turn lane from Argyle Street into Burnett Street will be replaced with a dedicated waiting lane for bike riders at the traffic lights.
The Burnett and Argyle streets intersection will also be upgraded to improve accessibility.
Other changes include new kerb ramps, raised crossings and “no parking” restrictions near some driveways.
The council says the project will “close a gap in one of Hobart’s key cycling routes” and make the road safer for people of all ages and abilities.
According to the council, traffic modelling done during the design showed the changes are “not expected to change the level of service for any motorists at the junction”.
“Results indicate that the time drivers wait to turn right is expected to be lower than it is currently,” the council said.
Work will run from 7am to 5pm on weekdays, with temporary traffic management in place.
The council says on-street parking may be unavailable at times.
The project is being funded through a state government program.
Construction is expected to be finished by mid-November, weather permitting.
