FAQ
What’s the extent of the project area?
The overall study area is New Town Road, between Pirie Street and Risdon Road. The focus of the project will occur roughly between the Post Office 176 and the Salvos / New Town Greenstore. There will also be some 'gateway' improvements near Woolworths and Pirie Street. And there will be improvements to the footpaths and side street crossings along the precinct. Stay tuned for the draft Streetscape Plan, due for release in March 2018.
Who’s involved?
When will construction works commence?
Will there be any loss of on street car parking?
Where can I find more information?
Will Valentine and Cross Streets be closed to New Town Road traffic, like in the 2015 master plan?
What will change?
What bicycle infrastructure will be provided?
New Town Road is part of Hobart's northern priority route for bicycles, however there are constraints to providing bike lanes due to the busy nature of the road, the need to retain on-street car parking to support retail businesses and the width of the road.
CDM Research provided analysis, options and recommendations for the provision of bicycle infrastructure in the New Town precinct. The full report is available on this yoursay page under 'library' / 'planning documents'.
Given the high volumes of traffic on the arterial road, there are safer, quiet alternatives that may be more suitable for bike riders - to the east, Pirie and Cross Streets to Intercity Cycleway, and to the west, Clare and Pedder Streets. The Hobart Bicycle Advisory Committee will consider a plan to identify and signpost these alternative parallel routes.
In addition, and acknowledging that some cyclists will continue to ride along New Town Road, short sections of painted lanes will be provided (where the cross section of the road allows) in areas where conflict is most likely - in the uphill direction adjacent to median islands in the centre of the road.
A bicycle lane (in the uphill direction) will also be provided between Pirie Street and Argyle Street on New Town Road.
Will there be changes to speed limits?
The State Government is responsible for approving changes to speed limits in Tasmania. After the streetscape changes have been implemented, traffic speeds would be monitored and any changes considered then, in consultation with the community.
Why are trees proposed in the middle of the road?
A major theme that emerged during community engagement was a request for trees and plants to soften the look and feel of the activity precinct. Significant amounts of underground services and utilities in the footpaths and parking lanes on both sides of the road, and overhead powerless on the north/east side, make the expense of installing trees in these areas prohibitive.
The central median provides some opportunity for tree installation. During the detail design phase, it will be important to ensure that tree selection, installation method and placement of trees complies with requirements to maintain safe sight distances, clearances for vehicles and root barriers to protect road pavements.
Some areas of hardy, low planting are also proposed. These will provide amenity benefits in areas where people will be crossing the road and spending time.