West Tamar Highway – Launceston to Legana – Interim Community Corridor Study
August 2020 Consultation and Feedback Report
Document title 1
Contents
Interim Community Consultation and Feedback Report ...... 1 Executive Summary ...... 1 Project overview ...... 3 Related projects ...... 3 Consultation objectives ...... 3 Change in consultation strategy due to COVID-19...... 34 Project Working Group ...... 4 Project location ...... 5 Engagement activities ...... 6 Feedback summary ...... 8 Key themes ...... 8 Social Pinpoint ...... 9 Facebook ...... 10 Feedback forms ...... 10 Formal submissions and direct emails ...... 1011 Next steps ...... 1112
West Tamar Highway – Launceston to Legana Corridor Study – Interim Consultation and Feedback Report i
Executive Summary
The Department of State Growth is currently undertaking a corridor study along the West Tamar Highway between Launceston and Legana. This report summarises consultation activities undertaken with key stakeholders, residents, road users, community groups and public transport service providers to date.
This study is funded by the Tasmanian Government as part of the implementation of the Launceston and Tamar Valley Traffic Vision (the Vision). The Vision aims to address congestion and improve safety and travel time reliability on the Launceston and Tamar Valley road network.
The result of this study will be a Corridor Improvement Plan, which will identify a range of options for improving the safety and connectivity of the West Tamar Highway between Launceston and Legana. The concepts will be prioritised and costings developed for funding approval and to guide investment over the next 20 years.
The West Tamar Highway – Launceston to Legana Corridor Study will also inform the feasibility study for the New Tamar River Crossing.
In April 2020, we asked the community to provide their feedback and comments on this section of highway. The opportunity to input into the study was promoted via a letter to residents in the study area, a media release, a dedicated project webpage on the Transport website and via two separate posts on the RoadsTas Facebook page. Key organisations were also invited to provide a formal submission via email.
During the community engagement period, the community and key stakeholders provided valuable input and suggested a range of possible improvements for the highway.
A total of 576 pieces of feedback were received during the information-gathering phase. The majority of feedback was provided via Social Pinpoint, an online interactive map, and feedback forms. Feedback was also received via Facebook and direct emails.
Formal feedback submissions were received from Bicycle Network Tasmania, Department of Education, Metro Tasmania, RACT and Tamar Yacht Club as well as four residents in the area.
Other consultation activities undertaken to date include:
An Investment Logic Mapping (ILM) workshop was held in September 2019 with representatives from Department of State Growth, Launceston City Council, West Tamar Council, Bicycle Network Tasmania, and the Royal Automobile Club of Tasmania (RACT).
Meetings were held with elected members from Launceston City Council and West Tamar Council in December 2019.
All of the feedback received to date has been reviewed, and the key findings identified are listed below.
Key findings
The key findings from this stage of the study can be grouped up into six key themes. These themes are:
Cycling safety and infrastructure Congestion Speed limits Tamar River crossing Public transport Safety
West Tamar Highway – Launceston to Legana Corridor Study – Interim Consultation and Feedback Report 1 This feedback has been collated with other data and information to identify a number of possible improvements. These possible improvements will be shared with key stakeholders and the community soon for their further consideration and comment.
West Tamar Highway – Launceston to Legana Corridor Study – Interim Consultation and Feedback Report 2 Project overview
In March 2019, the Tasmanian Government committed to the implementation of the Launceston and Tamar Valley Traffic Vision (the Vision). The Vision includes a suite of projects to address congestion and improve safety and travel time reliability on the Launceston and Tamar Valley road network.
A fundamental commitment in the Vision was to commence the planning, design, costing and Stage 1 building for a new Tamar River crossing between the East Tamar Highway at Newnham and the West Tamar Highway, north of Cormiston Road.
It is thought that a new bridge crossing will help to improve travel time reliability and peak traffic efficiency of the West Tamar Highway, particularly through Riverside and York and Brisbane Streets.
The West Tamar Highway – Launceston to Legana Corridor Study will help the Department to gain a holistic view of the transport implications of a new Tamar River crossing. It will also identify a range of concepts for improving the safety and connectivity of the West Tamar Highway between Launceston and Legana for all road users.
Related projects
In addition to this project, State Growth are undertaking several other projects to improve traffic flow and travel time reliability on the Launceston and Tamar Valley road network, including:
Implementation of the Greater Launceston Transport Vision East Tamar Highway - Mowbray Connector - Intersection Upgrade Goderich Street intersection upgrades (Forster Street and Gleadow Street) Feasibility study into a new Tamar River crossing West Tamar Highway Priority Projects o North of Rosevears Drive to Gravelly Beach Road o Atkinsons Road to Waldhorn Drive o Exeter to Batman Highway o Motor Road Junction Upgrading of traffic signals along the West Tamar corridor West Tamar Highway - Cycling Safety Improvements
Information on the Greater Launceston Transport Vision is available at www.greaterlauncestontransportvision.com. Information on all other State Growth projects can be found on the Transport website (www.transport.tas.gov.au).
Consultation objectives
The purpose of this report is to provide a summary of the engagement activities carried out to date as part of this study.
The objectives of the first stage of engagement was to ensure stakeholder and the community’s issues (fears, concerns, needs, and desires) were included in the decision making process. Further, the feedback was sought to identify opportunities to improve the safety and connectivity between Launceston and Legana.
Change in consultation strategy due to COVID-19
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and social distancing measures, we were unable to hold community information sessions in the West Tamar area during this phase of the study.
West Tamar Highway – Launceston to Legana Corridor Study – Interim Consultation and Feedback Report 3 In order to afford residents without internet access an opportunity to provide their feedback, a feedback form and reply paid envelope was posted to over 2,000 households in the study area.
Project Working Group
Consisting of representatives from the Tasmanian Government and local government, the Project Working Group has participated in a number workshops to help identify key issues requiring treatment, to achieve better outcomes for all road users in the area.
The Working Group will continue to meet at key project milestones to review and discuss aspects of the corridor study and implementation plan.
West Tamar Highway – Launceston to Legana Corridor Study – Interim Consultation and Feedback Report 4 Project location
The study area includes the section of the West Tamar Highway from the Brisbane Street / York Street couplet to McEwans Road, north of Legana. Within this study area, there are four sections:
1. Margaret Street to Pomona Road 2. Pomona Road to Cormiston Road 3. Cormiston Road to Acropolis Drive 4. Acropolis Drive to McEwans Road The sections are identified on the map contained in Image 1.
Section 4 - Acropolis Drive to McEwans Road
Section 3 - Cormiston Road to Acropolis Drive
Section 2 - Pomona Road to Cormiston Road
Section 1 - Margaret Street to Pomona Road
Image 1: Location map
West Tamar Highway – Launceston to Legana Corridor Study – Interim Consultation and Feedback Report 5 Engagement activities
Table 1: Engagement Activities
Date Tool/method Distribution/promotion
30 September 2019 Investment Logic Mapping (ILM) Not applicable Workshop
5 December 2019 Meeting with Launceston City Not applicable Council (elected members)
17 December 2019 Meeting with West Tamar Council Not applicable (elected members)
7 April 2020 Working Group Meeting Not applicable
17 April 2020 Community notification Community notification, feedback form and reply paid envelope sent to residents within study area
22 April 2020 Launch of Community Consultation Community notification phase Project webpage
Media release
RoadsTas Facebook post
Email to key stakeholders
22 April 2020 Launch of Social Pinpoint and project Launch of Social Pinpoint interactive map webpage (https://stategrowthtas.mysocialpinpoint.com/w est-tamar-highway-corridor-study-launceston- to-legana) and project webpage on Transport website (https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/road/projects/ west_tamar_highway_- _launceston_to_legana_-_corridor_study)
24 April 2020 Media Release Media release issued by Minister for Infrastructure and Transport
24 April 2020 Facebook post Facebook post published on RoadsTas Facebook page promoting consultation
5 May 2020 Facebook post Facebook post published on RoadsTas Facebook page promoting consultation
6 May 2020 Invitation to provide formal feedback By email submission sent to the following organisations:
West Tamar Highway – Launceston to Legana Corridor Study – Interim Consultation and Feedback Report 6 Date Tool/method Distribution/promotion
Bicycle Network Tasmania Department of Education RACT Tamar Bicycle Users Group Tasmanian Farmers and Graziers Association Tasmanian Transport Association Manion Coaches Metro Tasmania Tasmanian Redline Tassielink McDermotts Coaches Tas Coachlines
8 May 2020 Close of Community Consultation RoadsTas Facebook post phase
21 May 2020 Working Group Meeting Not applicable
West Tamar Highway – Launceston to Legana Corridor Study – Interim Consultation and Feedback Report 7 Feedback summary
A total of 576 pieces of feedback/comment were received during the community consultation phase. This does not include any online reactions (likes/dislikes).
Feedback was received through the following channels:
278 comments from 150 individuals via the Social Pinpoint interactive map
182 comments over the two RoadsTas Facebook posts (more with tags, shares and replies)
90 feedback forms
26 direct emails/formal submissions
Key themes
Following a review of all of the feedback received, the overall key themes identified were:
There is very strong support for a dedicated/separated cycling/walking pathway on this section of the highway to improve safety for cyclists and pedestrians and to encourage increased participation in active transport both for commuters and recreational bicycle riders.
Cycling safety is a major concern on this section of the highway, both in terms of the condition of the road shoulders and driver/cyclist behaviour.
Concerns regarding current speed limits were raised by many respondents, with many suggesting that they should be lowered to improve safety. However, a number of stakeholders requested that the speed limits be increased in certain areas.
Inconsistent shoulder width and shoulder condition was raised as an issue, particularly for cyclists.
Congestion rated highly, particularly during peak times and school drop-off and pick-up times.
A large number of respondents suggested that pedestrian safety could be improved, with some areas of the highway not having formal footpaths, and some footpaths being dangerous. Additional pedestrian crossings were also requested.
Various issues were raised regarding public transport, including the location of bus stops and infrequency of bus services.
There is an extremely high level of support for a new Tamar River crossing, connecting the West Tamar Highway to the East Tamar Highway. However, there is still some debate regarding the best location for this additional crossing. Further consultation on the new Tamar River crossing will be completed separately.
Locations of particular concern included:
McEwans Road/Upper McEwans Road intersection Legana shopping precinct Bridgenorth Road intersection Section of highway between the Freshwater Drive and Acropolis Drive roundabouts Ecclestone Road intersection Riverside shopping precinct Section of highway between Deans Lane and Riverview Road (known locally as ‘Barnes Hill’); and Both intersections of Forest Road (North and South).
West Tamar Highway – Launceston to Legana Corridor Study – Interim Consultation and Feedback Report 8 Social Pinpoint
Feedback from the wider community was predominately collected using Social Pinpoint, an online platform which allows community members to provide comments and feedback anonymously via an interactive map. Social Pinpoint was made accessible via a link on the Transport website and the two RoadsTas Facebook posts.
Table 2: Social Pinpoint - User Summary
Total Visits Unique Users Average Time Unique Comments Stakeholders The total number of The total number of The average time The total number of visits to the project unique people viewing people are spending The number of comments on the site site the site on the site viewing people who are and interacting with interacting with the the project site (adding comments).
4426 1734 2:27 minutes 150 278
Users were able to provide feedback and comments by placing the most appropriate marker type on the map. Marker types available included:
Active transport Pedestrian facilities Light vehicles Safety General comment Travel times Heavy vehicles School traffic Passenger transport Tourism
Image 2: Social Pinpoint – Overview of marker types used
Key themes identified from the feedback received via Social Pinpoint were:
Active transport, including cyclist infrastructure and cyclist behaviour Need for a new Tamar River crossing, including a number of suggestions for alternative locations Pedestrian safety, including a number of suggestions for additional pedestrian crossings Congestion in schools and shopping areas, particularly during drop-off/pick-up times. Inconsistency in speed limits
West Tamar Highway – Launceston to Legana Corridor Study – Interim Consultation and Feedback Report 9 The rapid growth in Legana is also considered to be a major contributing factor to increased congestion on the West Tamar Highway.
Location data available from Social Pinpoint indicates that the majority of feedback was received from stakeholders within the greater Launceston area, with 165 comments coming from the 7250 postcode area and 77 comments coming from the 7277 postcode area.
Two posts were published on the RoadsTas Facebook page during the community consultation phase.
Date Comments Shares Reactions
24 April 2020 171 35 64
5 May 2020 11 12 8
The comments on Facebook focused on cyclist and driver behaviour, speed limits and the need for a new Tamar River crossing. A number of comments related to areas outside of the study area and were not taken into consideration as part of this study. These comments have been referred to other projects for consideration.
Feedback forms
Feedback forms were posted to 2139 residents in the project area. 90 completed forms were returned.
Total Feedback Forms Feedback related to Feedback related to Feedback unrelated to received Corridor Study new Tamar River either project crossing
90 68 15 7
The feedback received via the forms was generally consistent with the feedback received online, with additional key themes identified:
Duplication of the single-lane section of highway at Barnes Hill The inclusion of separate cycling/walking tracks Congestion in schools and shopping area, particularly during drop-off/pick-up times. Concerns regarding cyclist and driver behaviour/safety.
Formal submissions and direct emails
Total direct emails Feedback related to Feedback related to Feedback unrelated to received Corridor Study new Tamar River either project crossing
17 11 3 3
Formal feedback submissions were received from Bicycle Network Tasmania, Department of Education, Metro Tasmania and RACT.
A formal submission was also received from Tamar Yacht Club in relation to a new Tamar River crossing.
In addition to the above, formal submissions were received from four members of the local community.
West Tamar Highway – Launceston to Legana Corridor Study – Interim Consultation and Feedback Report 10 Submission 1 was directly related to the proposed location of a new Tamar River crossing Submission 2 was related to safety concerns on the West Tamar Highway between Paringa Road and the Batman Highway, which is outside of the study area. Submissions 3 and 4 were taken into consideration as they related to the study area.
A summary of issues and opportunities contained in the formal written submissions received is listed below:
A dedicated, well lit cycleway/pathway is urgently needed along the whole corridor. There are sections where cyclists have no other option but to travel in the through-lane, which creates a safety issue as well as frustration for both drivers and cyclists. The Department of Education has commenced planning for the construction of a new primary school at Legana. Construction is expected to commence in 2022 with the new school opening in 2024. The Department of Education is engaging with both State Growth and West Tamar Council regarding the impacts of this new development on the road corridor. The number of entry and exit points from side streets onto the highway needs to be reviewed. There are few decelerating lanes available to allow traffic to slow down before turning into a side street. Some side streets may need to be closed off from the highway in order to funnel traffic towards other, safer points to enter or exit the highway. The southern intersection of Forest Road and the highway may benefit from signalisation. Currently, traffic wanting to turn right from Forest Road to travel towards the city has to contend with oncoming traffic in both directions. The northern intersection of Forest Road is poorly aligned with Allawah Street, which increases the risk for traffic crossing the highway. Improvements need to be made to the road and lane design between Cormiston and Pomona Roads to alleviate congestion during school drop-off and pick-up periods. Consider the development of a park and ride facility in the West Tamar region to transport people to the Launceston CBD. There is significant congestion from Legana roundabout on the single lane to the industrial park roundabout every workday morning and a repeat at the South Esk Bridge to Margaret St in Launceston. There is congestion at Riverside High School with parental drop offs and school buses.
Next steps
The Department has considered the feedback received alongside the West Tamar Highway Strategic Review Report and developed a number of potential improvements opportunities for the corridor.
The next phase of the planning study involves assessing the proposed improvement opportunities on a range of criteria like safety, constructability, value for money, and community interest. This will be followed by further stakeholder briefings and community consultation.
Further community consultation on a new Tamar River crossing will be completed separately. Feedback received during this community consultation phase regarding a new Tamar River crossing has been retained, and will be taken into consideration as part of the Tamar River Crossing Feasibility Study.
The proposed improvement opportunities will be shared with the community in the next few weeks.
West Tamar Highway – Launceston to Legana Corridor Study – Interim Consultation and Feedback Report 11
Department of State Growth 4 Salamanca Place Hobart TAS 7001 Australia
Phone: 1800 030 688
Email: [email protected]
Web: www.trasnsport.tas.gov.au
West Tamar Highway – Launceston to Legana Corridor Study – Interim Consultation and Feedback Report 12