An uphill bike passageway is set to replace a lane of traffic on Westbury Road from Normanstone Road, South Launceston, to Bertha Street.

The Launceston City Council works are part of a $407,000 infrastructure project, which will also include a median turning strip as part of the second lane’s removal.

The road receives a total of 17,000 traffic movements a day, west of Normanstone Road.

The works were approved as part of the 2015-16 Launceston City Council annual budget, with an aim to calm traffic and improve vehicle, pedestrian and bike safety, as well as amenity by asphalt overlaying the road.

According to the council’s website, tenders have been advertised and construction is expected to take place in early 2016.

Also included in the plan are outlines to widen the road pavement from 171 to 183 Westbury Road, install and update traffic signs, and remove redundant line marking, signs and traffic islands.

The works were subject to two rounds of public consultation, according to council general manager Robert Dobrzynski.

‘‘The existing second lane between Normanstone Road and Bertha Street will be removed and replaced with a central median turning lane and a bike lane,’’ Mr Dobrzynski said.

‘‘This will significantly improve safety for vehicles turning right off Westbury Road into side roads and driveways.

‘‘It will also improve safety for vehicles turning right out of side roads as drivers will only need to negotiate one lane of traffic.’’

He said the development was considered by the Launceston Road Safety Consultative Committee in 2013.

‘‘A recommendation to support the project as a bid to the Federal Black Spot Program was supported by the council in 2013,’’ Mr Dobrzynski said.

He said the project would go ahead with $305,250 from grants, and a $101,750 contribution from the council.

Mr Dobrzynski said public consultation was proceeding and that submissions were welcome.