Speed humps not on cards for Charles Street
Published on 18 December 2017
Contrary to recent media reports, the City of Launceston is not proposing to install multiple speed humps in Charles Street outside the Launceston General Hospital.
The Charles Street upgrade project instead includes a single, raised pedestrian crossing point, general street beautification and the raising of the existing roundabout at the Frankland and Charles Street intersection.
Any implication that the Council intends to install multiple speed humps near the Launceston General Hospital, as recently reported in the press, is incorrect.
On Saturday, the Council advertised a "Notice of intention to Install Road Humps", as the raised pedestrian crossing qualifies under legislation as a 'road hump'.
The components of the project were clearly spelled out in the advertisement:
"The City of Launceston proposes to install —
• A raised pedestrian (Zebra) crossing with flashing warning lights.
• An upgraded roundabout on a raised platform at Frankland Street.
• A 40km/h speed limit."
The raised pedestrian crossing has been designed in consultation with the Launceston General Hospital, Ambulance Tasmania and other stakeholders in the area.
City of Launceston General Manager Michael Stretton said there was clear demand from the community for a dedicated pedestrian crossing point on this section of Charles Street.
"The walkway across Charles Street will be raised so that it is flush with the footpath to make it more accessible and easier to cross for people with limited mobility," Mr Stretton said.
"It's also been specifically designed in consultation with Ambulance Tasmania and the LGH so that it doesn't negatively impact on ambulances or patient transport."
Works will also include new trees and a new seated taxi shelter outside the hospital.
"We've held a number of meetings with management at the hospital, the businesses across the road at The Charles, Aromas and Ambulance Tasmania, who are all supportive of the work we have planned," Mr Stretton said.
Jointly funded by the Federal Government under the Building Our Futures initiative, work is due to commence on the project in mid-January.
"For many years now there have been calls from the community for a dedicated pedestrian crossing near the LGH," Mr Stretton said.
"This is a highly-pedestrianised area, and an area that is also highly pedestrianised by the elderly, and people with mobility issues.
"A raised pedestrian crossing allows us to create a pedestrian crossing point which is at the same level as the footpath, making it much easier for people with mobility issues to cross the road, clearly delineating the crossing point for motorists, and encouraging motorists to slow down.
"The pedestrian lights at the crossing point, coupled with the raised crossing, will provide a clear and safe passage for pedestrians using this zone.
"Because of the way the crossing is designed, it will not have a negative impact on ambulance or patient transport.
"The proposal is supported by the Launceston General Hospital, Ambulance Tasmania, and nearby businesses.
"We're now encouraging the community to view the detailed planning documents at the Council's Customer Service Centre, and to raise any objections, which they may do in writing by Saturday January 6, 2018."
In accordance with the Local Government (Highways) Act 1982 (Section 31), written representations may be made regarding this proposal by Saturday, 6 January, 2018.
Any representations received will be considerd by the Transport Commission prior to approving the proposed traffic management.
Please address submissions to David Murray, Project Delivery Coordinator, City of Launceston, PO Box 396, Launceston, Tasmania, 7250.