Kings Meadows Connector Link Safety Upgrades

About the project

We are investigating extending the Midland Highway southbound off ramp that connects to the Kings Meadows Link, to help stop traffic queueing on the Midland Highway.

We are also looking into metering the Kings Meadows Link roundabout at the base of the off-ramp.

Metering means installing a traffic signal at the roundabout that would prioritise traffic exiting the Midland Highway at busy times.

These changes would promote better traffic flow during busy travel times and reduce queuing on the off-ramp.

Traffic investigations have identified that metering would significantly reduce queuing at the roundabout for vehicles from the Midland Highway. We are progressing with designs for this as part of the safety upgrades for this area.

The Department of State Growth has received community feedback about safety on the Midland Highway. During peak travel times, vehicles on the Kings Meadows Link southbound off ramp are queueing and blocking a lane on the Midland Highway. Queued vehicles increase the risk of rear end collisions. We want to improve safety for road users as part of our commitment to the Towards Zero - Tasmanian Road Safety Strategy 2017-2026.

Location

The Kings Meadows Connector.

This map below shows the location we are focusing on.

Timing

Investigations were completed in December 2024 and January 2025 to inform the design.

As of March 2025, we are in the process of finalising the design and exploring funding options.

FAQs

Will the project require property acquisition?

No, the design of the off-ramp extension will not require property acquisition.

What is metering?

Metering refers to installing a traffic signal at the roundabout that would prioritise traffic exiting the Midland Highway at busy times, to promote the smooth flow of traffic and reduce the risk of rear end collisions on the Midland Highway.

The traffic signal would be activated by sensors which detect if vehicles are queueing significantly. Outside of busy times, the roundabout will operate as normal allowing for the smooth flow of traffic and reduced delays.

What other safety upgrades are planned for the area?

In August 2024, the Commissioner for Transport approved speed limit changes on the Midland Highway between Prospect and Kings Meadows. The previous 110 km/hr speed limit was reduced to 90 km/hr.

The reduced speed limit will improve safety and reduce the likelihood of rear-end collisions with vehicles queued on the Kings Meadows off-ramp. The speed reduction will add 15 seconds to the duration of travel. Research shows even small reductions in speeds can result in considerable safety benefits.

Speed limits were reviewed in response to representations made by the local community. ‘New speed limit ahead’ signs were also recently installed to warn road users of the change.

The department also recently installed "Queued Traffic Ahead" warning signs to alert drivers to the likelihood of vehicles queuing at the off-ramp during busy times.

Will the speed limit between Prospect and Kings Meadows increase once the other safety measures have been implemented?

Research shows even small reductions in speeds can result in considerable safety benefits. The speed reduction that was approved by the Commissioner for Transport in August 2024 is one of the safety measures that will contribute to improved safety for road users in the area. The new Kings Meadows Heavy Vehicle Driver Rest Area also means more heavy vehicles will be pulling over and on to the Midlands Highway. This activity is supported by reduced speed limits to reduce the likelihood of collisions.

Is this project near the new Kings Meadows Heavy Vehicle Driver Rest Area?

Yes, it is. The department is currently designing a heavy vehicle driver rest area on the southbound lanes of the Midlands Highway between Prospect and Kings Meadows. The Heavy Vehicle Driver Rest Area (HVDRA) Project improves rest area infrastructure to support drivers as part of effective risk management programs of the transport industry. An acceleration lane from the heavy vehicle driver rest area on to the Midlands Highway will back on to the new extended lane of the Kings Meadows off-ramp that is being built as part of a separate project.

Accessibility

If you would like to find out more information and you have accessibility requirements, please contact the project team (details below).

You can find out more about Transport Services' commitment to accessibility on our website here: https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/accessibility

Contact

For more information about this project, please contact Stakeholder Engagement Consultant Sarah Sutton by phone on 0418 828 896 or by email at kingsmeadowsconnector@stategrowth.tas.gov.au