Public opinion is split over planning changes to intersections on either side of the Charles Street bridge after it was confirmed modifications to both intersections would be made permanent.
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The changes include the permanent closure of right-turning lanes travelling north and southbound from Goderich Street onto Lindsay Street, as well as the permanent closure of turning lanes between the Esplanade and Charles Street.
Bridport resident Anita Williams who regularly travels along Goderich Street said while the traffic can back up, it has continued to flow.
"Some days it's been backed up all the way to the AMC, it's a little bit slow but it hasn't stopped completely," she said.
Ms Williams said the change was good with people just needing time to adjust.
Launceston tow truck driver Wayne Sherwood disagreed and said the modifications were unsafe with several people having impacted the temporary concrete kerbs.
"We pulled a guy off the barriers the other day, it's unsafe and he put a complaint into state growth about it," he said.
Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said data collected from the three-month trial showed significant improvements to journey times of up to a minute for northbound traffic and minor improvements for southbound traffic.
One motorist Kellie Robinson said she didn't see why they needed to close the lanes and believed a roundabout would have been a better option at the Lindsay Street intersection.
"I think if they had a roundabout there the traffic would flow more and it would be safer for everyone and less accidents," she said.
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Ms Robinson said she was disappointed in the decision to make the changes permanent following the trial.
"People need to turn right there and it's hard enough now because you can hardly turn right anywhere," she said."
As part of the changes, an additional right turn lane from Goderich Street into Forster Street has been added to keep traffic flowing with Mr Ferguson explaining the Foster Street lane increased accessibility for right-turning vehicles.
"At least double the number of vehicles are now able to turn right or effect a U-turn during a green arrow signal as a result of this measure," Mr Ferguson said.
Other road users have pointed to the potential safety benefits the modifications may bring.
Teacher Julie Flynn said she supported the changes after noticing how congestion and delays had resulted in frustrated drivers causing car accidents.
"I feel it may slow down the amount of people who go through red lights," she said.
"At the moment people turning right get very frustrated and they tend to go when the lights have changed.
"We've seen accidents there in those situations in the past."
Design of the new intersection arrangements was underway and work is expected to start in 2022.
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Andrew Chounding
An experienced multi-platform journalist focusing on the issues that impact health in Tasmania. With a background in social research and public policy, health reporting for Andrew is about ensuring the best health outcomes for the Northern Tasmanian community. Contact Andrew at: andrew.chounding@examiner.com.au or 0437 358 262
An experienced multi-platform journalist focusing on the issues that impact health in Tasmania. With a background in social research and public policy, health reporting for Andrew is about ensuring the best health outcomes for the Northern Tasmanian community. Contact Andrew at: andrew.chounding@examiner.com.au or 0437 358 262
