Launceston Alderman Robin McKendrick has renewed calls for a roundabout to be developed on numerous occasions. He said the intersection upgrade needed to be a priority. 

“My understanding is that there will be money allocated in this state budget to do a roundabout. That needs to be a priority and not delayed and get it done immediately,” he said. “To turn, if you wanted to go to George Town, and cross those lines is taking your own life in your hands.”

Alderman McKendrick first raised the issue nearly a year ago and said he hoped the upgrades were still on the radar for the state budget.

“I’ve been talking to people to try and make sure that it’s still a priority,” he said.

Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding said the government was committed to improving the safety and flow of traffic in and around Launceston’s northern suburbs. 

“The state budget will detail the government’s ongoing commitment to road infrastructure and we won’t be pre-empting that,” he said. “The government will continue to focus on a full suite of road safety initiatives according to the Towards Zero (strategy).” 

Mr Hidding said the Tamar Highway was rated as a three-star using the assessment methodology used by the Australian Automobile Association. 

Alderman McKendrick said he also hoped State Growth would consider a second roundabout at the Alanvale Road connector.

He described its current state as a “simple fix”.

“It’s creating more headaches than it’s worth.”

The budget will be announced next month.