The government has released its plans to widen the West Tamar Highway which include a new shared path and bypass paths around the roundabouts.
The widening will occur between Acropolis Drive and just beyond Sunrise Drive.
The duplication means the roundabouts will become dual lane which can be dangerous for cyclists to navigate.
The plans propose bypass paths that take riders off the on-road bike lanes and around the roundabout for safer passage through for people who don’t want to take the risk on the road.
We’ve given feedback to the designers that such paths can work but only if the transitions are smooth and wide and at sympathetic angles so riders are not unduly slowed down as they exit or re-enter the road.
Likewise, the crossings over the side streets need to be wide enough to accommodate multiple bike riders trying to get across, and ideally should be raised table crossings (commonly referred to as wombat crossings) to slow cars and show the priority of people riding and walking across the street.
As the West Tamar is a popular road riding route, some riders may choose to take the risk through the new roundabouts, but the bypass paths will give people a choice.
Safe Systems design principles recommend bypass paths in preference to on-road pained lanes through dual-lane roundabouts.
New shared path
A new section of shared path along the highway will be an important step in getting a path that continues right through to Launceston.
The path will be at least 3 metres wide and sealed.
Both the West Tamar Council’s trails strategy and the Tasmanian Government’s highway corridor strategy identified the need for a good quality shared path between Legana and Launceston to give people the choice of riding, walking or scooting for transport.
The shared path and new pedestrian lights will also link the new Legana primary school into existing footpaths and a future shared path, to improve the ability for local children to ride or walk to school.
Let the government know whether you support the proposed changes before 14 December via email: WestTamarDuplication@stategrowth.tas.gov.au