The Tasmanian Liberal Government promised a fifth lane on the southern outlet almost six years ago. Since that time, as we have come to expect, absolutely nothing has happened.
We already knew the project was years behind schedule, now we know the costs have blown out 'significantly' - we just don't know by exactly how much.
Right from the start it has been clear this project had minimal benefits as it only got commuters to the bottleneck more quickly, yet documents received under RTI show it will also create traffic chaos for years while it's constructed. The project is already years behind schedule and we can't find anyone in Kingborough or the Huon who actually thinks the project will lead to less time in traffic.
In documents obtained under RTI by Labor, a Minute to Infrastructure Minister, Michael Ferguson, shows:
- Significant impacts on traffic during construction
- Significant risk of rockfall during construction
- A 'significant shortfall' in funding for the project
The consultant report shows the project taking between three to four years to complete and creating traffic chaos with long term lane closures, and 'major impacts to traffic'. An email from State Growth's Manager of Strategic Operations outlines delays to outbound traffic on both the Southern Outlet and Tasman Bridge resulting in overlapping queues on Davey and Macquarie streets, creating gridlock in and around the CBD.
Every Hobart commuter needs to understand this will impact them. From Glenorchy, Clarence and of course Kingborough and the Huon - if this project goes ahead it will create chaos for you, your work and your family. Lane closures, gridlock and hours wasted in the car over up to four years.
Right from the start, the Government knew that the project would do little to help congestion. Yet they have pushed on spending millions of dollars on consultant reports and acquiring homes during a housing crisis.
This project is complete madness. It should be stopped and focus given to projects that will actually help: get the cancelled bus services back on the road, add new services and get on with the ferry system that's been talked about for years.
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
Dean Winter MP
Labor Member for Franklin
