Motorists will soon be able to travel in both directions on Browns Road in Kingston for the first time in months, as major roadworks enter their final phase.
Kingborough Council announced on Wednesday that the Stage 2 upgrade of the key connecting road is nearing completion. The road is expected to reopen to two-way traffic later this week following the completion of asphalting and line marking.
For months, the section of Browns Road between the Channel Highway and the Australia Post depot has been restricted to one-way, uphill traffic to create a safe worksite.
In a statement, Acting Mayor Christian Street said the return of two-way traffic was a “significant milestone” for the project.
“The return of two-way traffic is a significant milestone and signals that the project is nearing completion,” Cr Street said.
The project, which began in March, involved a full reconstruction of about 400 metres of road, the installation of new kerbs, gutters, and a concrete footpath, as well as stormwater upgrades. Kingborough Council initiated the upgrade to address the deteriorating road pavement and improve safety at the Channel Highway intersection.
With the main roadworks finished, the council said its focus will now shift to the removal of the temporary access lane that has connected Browns Road to the Southern Outlet.
According to the council, this final stage will begin on Monday, 13 July, and will require the closure of the temporary access lane. These works will also cause some short-term lane closures on the Southern Outlet for Kingston-bound traffic.
Bus services will also be affected by the changes, with some southbound bus stop locations set to be altered. Kingborough Council advised commuters to seek updated service information from Metro Tasmania, Tassielink, and the state transport website.
“We thank residents, businesses and road users for their patience throughout construction and look forward to completing the final elements of the project,” Cr Street said.