Plans are ramping up for a traffic improvement project at the Olinda Grove roundabout at Mt Nelson, aiming to reduce congestion on Hobart’s Southern Outlet.
The signalisation project will see traffic signals installed to manage vehicle flow and improve safety at the busy interchange.
Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent said the upgrade would address morning peak congestion issues where vehicles queue from the Southern Outlet to access Sandy Bay, the University of Tasmania and Hobart College.
“Vehicles from the Southern Outlet use the Olinda Grove intersection to access Sandy Bay, the University of Tasmania and Hobart College, and as an alternative route to the CBD causing congestion during the morning peak period,” Vincent said.
The project includes new traffic monitoring technology to help authorities respond to traffic conditions in real time.
“CCTV cameras will also be installed to allow the Department of State Growth’s traffic management centre to monitor traffic and queueing in real-time and adjust if required,” Vincent said.
The traffic signals will only operate when queuing occurs on the left northbound Southern Outlet off-ramp onto Olinda Grove, prioritising vehicles exiting the Southern Outlet to prevent backups.
Motorists travelling from Mount Nelson towards the Southern Outlet or Proctors Road may experience some delays during peak periods once the system is operational, as the signals will prioritise Southern Outlet traffic.
The jointly funded initiative between the Tasmanian Government and the City of Hobart is expected to commence construction in spring, with completion anticipated by late 2025, weather permitting.
Construction is expected to take approximately three months once work begins.
The tendering process for a construction contractor has now begun, with the government encouraging interested parties to apply.
