Background

The Department of Infrastructure, Energy and Resources (DIER) in conjunction with Kingborough Council have been working together since 2004 to improve traffic operations and safety within Kingston on both the State and local road network. To achieve this DIER has been undertaking planning and design work for the construction of the Kingston Bypass. The Kingston Bypass Access Group have been an active and constructive participant in this work.

During 2007 the Australian Government committed $15 million for the project with the Tasmanian Government contributing the balance of $26.5 million.

The proposed works

The bypass commences south of the Kingston Interchange and passes underneath Summerleas Road west of the existing Channel Highway. The alignment is located approximately parallel to Whitewater Creek before rejoining the existing Channel Highway at Alonga Road.

The main features of the bypass will include:

• A two-lane roadway (one traffic lane in each direction) with provision for a future dual carriageway;
• Summerleas Road interchange ramps;
• A roundabout at Algona Road to facilitate a future upgrade to an interchange and improved access to Huntingfield;
• An upgrade of Spring Farm Road for a future connection to Kingston View Drive;
• Extension of the pedestrian underpass near Kingston High School;
• An Algona Road pedestrian underpass;
• Reinstatement of the shared path and footpath on Summerleas Road;
• A new shared path on Spring Farm Road;
• On-road cycle lanes at the Algona Road roundabout; and
• Extension of the Whitewater Creek recreation trail.

The Bypass will also facilitate several future developments in the area, including the further expansion of a Catholic secondary school, housing development at Huntingfield, the relocation of Kingston High School and the Kingborough Sports Centre expansion.

Current Status

• Following the Kingborough Council's Planning Committee meeting on 28 September 2009, the development application has been approved.
• An appeal has been made to the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal. At the preliminary hearing on 27 October 2009 it was decided to have a formal hearing from 16-18 December 2009.
• The project is being assessed under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act). We are currently awaiting approval.
• Detailed design works are almost complete. Tenders are expected to be called on 14 November 2009.
• The contract will not be awarded until the Resource Management and Planning Appeal Tribunal appeal has been determined, EPBC approval has been received and the Aboriginal Heritage assessment has been completed.