Changes on way for Inveresk roundabout

Published on 24 December 2024

A major Launceston intersection is set for an overhaul designed to maximise its efficiency and significantly improve safety for pedestrians, motorists and other road users.

The project will see the existing roundabout at the Lindsay and Tamar Street intersection replaced with traffic lights.

The City of Launceston will oversee the redevelopment, with works expected to begin in late January and continue for approximately 15 weeks.

During the same period the Council will undertake improvements to the Boland and Tamar Street intersection with the addition of a second right turn lane onto the Tamar St Bridge, and the rephasing of the traffic light signals to maximise traffic flow and pedestrian safety.

The $3 million project will also see failing road infrastructure replaced and upgraded along a section of Invermay Rd spanning 250m from the existing roundabout.

City of Launceston Mayor Matthew Garwood said it was clear from overwhelming feedback from road users and local businesses that increased traffic in recent years was creating a bottleneck at the roundabout in peak times, often forcing pedestrians and motorists to take risks in order to successfully cross the intersection.

"What we've been hearing from for a long time is that this is an incredibly difficult roundabout to navigate at peak times, particularly for motorists seeking to exit Lindsay St or QVMAG and UTAS via Barnards Way," Mayor Garwood said.

"Motorists have to run the gauntlet to enter the roundabout, which is not a good situation in terms of safety or efficiency.

"And despite the Inveresk area being one of the most highly pedestrianised parts of Launceston — connecting with UTAS Stadium, QVMAG, or the Inveresk and Willis Street UTAS buildings — there's no safe pedestrian crossing at the intersection. "This essential project seeks to resolve these crucial issues."

The project will include following improvements:

● The replacement of the existing roundabout at the junction of Lindsay Street and Tamar Street with a raised traffic light intersection.

● The installation of double right turn lanes from Lindsay Street onto the Tamar Street bridge.

● The installation of signalised pedestrian crossings and the formalisation of bike lanes at the new intersection.

● The installation of a dedicated U-turn lane for light vehicles heading south on Invermay Road, providing access to businesses on the western side of Invermay Road.

● The rephasing of traffic light signals at the Boland Street and Tamar Street intersection to improve traffic efficiency leading to the Lindsay Street and Tamar Street intersection. ● The installation of double right turn lanes from Boland Street onto the Tamar Street bridge

● Major road infrastructure upgrades to a 250m section of Invermay Rd from the existing roundabout

● Altered lane arrangements on the Esplanade aimed at improving traffic flow. Mayor Garwood said the works would be staged to minimise the disruption to road users and residents, with access to local businesses maintained throughout this period.

"Inveresk is Launceston's cultural and recreational hub and also houses a significant part of UTAS ," Mayor Garwood said.

"The changes that will be implemented are essential to make this important intersection safer for all road users — whether they're visiting Inveresk or crossing the Tamar Street bridge on their way in to or out of the city centre.

"I can assure community members we'll be working closely with our contractors to make sure disruptions are minimised throughout the construction period."