Further investigations about the best way to deal with the traffic problems will now occur. 

The Invermay Traffic Master Plan was recommended to be approved by the council, but alderman Robin McKendrick moved a motion which was supported unanimously. 

A new link road between Lindsay and Gleadow streets was proposed in the plan. Traffic lights would be installed at the intersection of Goderich and Gleadow streets, and Invermay Road and Lindsay Street. 

The aldermen voted to receive the information in the report and defer consideration of the recommendations to the newly formed council following the upcoming election.  

The motion also asked the general manager to complete further investigation and provide further advice about traffic and pedestrian movements regarding the University of Tasmania relocation, and get details regarding proposed traffic light signal upgrades.

Traffic light upgrades were proposed by the Department of State Growth for the council’s consideration. 

Alderman McKendrick said there were still “some concerns” about the plan that needed to be addressed before he would support the original proposal. 

“Arguably, with the UTAS relocation and their traffic management plan, which we haven’t seen yet, I think there is more to be looked at,” he said. “It won’t be delayed too long, because there is a need to do something, but we need to do it right.” 

Alderman Rob Soward, who seconded the motion, said the project was a “significant” one. 

Alderman Danny Gibson said it was time for the new council to look forward and move quickly, because a number of the intersections in the plan were already under performing. 

Mayor Albert van Zetten said he too would not have supported the original motion. 

Tasmanian Truck Owners and Operators Association secretary Alf Waters spoke at the meeting, and said installing another set of traffic lights would not be a good idea. 

“With trucks getting longer, heavier and with Birralee Road deteriorating and Frankford Highway being only 42 tonne everything has to come down through Launceston,” Mr Waters said. 

“I’d just like to invite all councillors to take a ride in a B-Double and see what it’s like and what we’ve got to put up with.” 

Alderman Jim Cox was not present and former alderman Darren Alexander has resigned from his position. 

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