Reintroduction of two-way traffic in Hobart

aldermandamonthomas — Thu, 25 Aug 2011 17:49:58 +0000

At the Council meeting on Monday 22 November 2010 I put forward a motion for the reintroduction of two-way traffic in the Hobart CBD.

A major component of the movement and access strategy within the City’s Strategic Plan is making Hobart a place that people can easily reach and move around. It complements the Council’s Strategic Plan 2025. One of the key elements to achieve this is the re-introduction of two-way traffic to many of the city streets that were previously changed to one-way traffic to increase traffic flows (Right: Morning peak hour in Barrack Street, Hobart).

One-way streets in the city have encouraged extraneous through traffic; encouraged higher traffic speeds; defined unintended limits to urban development; separated arrival and departure bus stops because buses cannot return via the street on which they arrived;increased journey distances as drivers negotiate the one-way network; and made the streets harder to navigate by people unfamiliar with the one-way system.

Two-way streets will change the balance of the use of the central streets away from high speed, high volume through traffic routes competing with pedestrians to friendly pedestrian thoroughfares used by low speeds local traffic.

The re-introduction of two-way streets will require alterations to many sets of traffic signals and will need to be implemented in a staged manner.

The improvement of pedestrian amenity and provision of a smoother traffic flow will be achievable through the introduction of parallel walk crossings instead of dedicated pedestrian phases at signal controlled intersections.

Much planning and design will be needed to achieve any change over. For instance, a recommended Traffic Movement Framework for the city will need to be developed showing the potential result of the phased reintroduction of two- way streets. This will outline the proposed ultimate street pattern within the city and the linkages to neighbouring council areas where the movement patterns should be changed.

The framework might include designated two-way boulevards, avenues and streets, some new road construction, major arrival points and the streets to be kept as one-way where the width is limited. Specifically, the motion asks that:

1. A report is prepared to examine the re-introduction of a comprehensive two- way traffic system in major and minor arterial roads in the city of Hobart.

2. The report investigates the establishment of a City Streets Technical Working Group to progress the technical aspects of the re-introduction of two-way streets in accordance with the approved staging.

Any changes made in our city must be for the common good. There needs to be sound reasons for their initiation and we have to listen to all sides of the arguments for and against proposals. I welcome your views as we work together in progressing our city and ensuring it continues to be a workable, friendly and safe place for both residents and visitors.

Damon Thomas

Reintroduction of two-way traffic in Hobart