Next stage for a better Collins Street is on the way

Published on 13 March 2026

The City of Hobart will begin installing the second stage from Monday, 16 March 2026, as part of the Collins Street Streetscape Improvement Trial.

The works are designed to make Collins Street safer and more comfortable for people who choose to walk, ride or catch public transport, while also creating a more welcoming place to work, shop and spend time.

Construction will take place on Collins Street between Victoria Street and Murray Street for approximately six weeks, weather permitting. Day works will occur between 7 am and 6 pm, with line marking undertaken at night when required.

The temporary streetscape upgrades will include:

• A new platform bus boarding extension
• New line marking and signage
• Coloured surface treatments, kerbs and bollards
• Outdoor dining infrastructure
• Planter boxes to green the street

These low cost, flexible materials were an intentional part of the tactical trial approach.

Safe pedestrian access will be maintained throughout the works, with access to all businesses kept open at all times.

Some temporary traffic and parking changes will be required for safety:

• Parking on the odd numbered side of Collins Street will be removed during the works to accommodate a temporary bus stop relocation.
• There may be brief delays as crews coordinate machinery and vehicle movements.

As part of these works, the Victoria Street exit onto Collins Street will return to two lanes.

This change follows feedback and monitoring during Stage One of the trial.

One of the key features of this next trial stage is the introduction of the CBD’s first platform bus stop, located between Victoria Street and Murray Street.

Like a tram-style boarding area used in other major cities, the platform allows people to step directly onto a raised surface from the bus, while the bike lane runs between the footpath and the bus boarding area.

This design:

• Makes boarding safer and more accessible
• Reduces conflict between people walking, riding and waiting
• Improves bus reliability by avoiding merging in and out of traffic
• Creates clearer and more predictable behaviour for all road users

Buses will stop in the travel lane next to the raised platform.

A solid white line means drivers may not overtake a bus stopped at the platform.

Drivers and cyclists should wait briefly behind the bus until it moves on.

The Collins Street Streetscape Trial will continue to be closely monitored throughout construction and after completion.

Quotes to be attributed to Deputy Hobart Lord Mayor Dr Zelinda Sherlock:

“This trial is about giving people real choices in how they move around the city. By improving safety and comfort for walking, riding and catching the bus, we’re making Collins Street a more attractive place for everyone.

“These upgrades are designed to make the street feel better to be in—whether you’re grabbing lunch, commuting, or visiting local businesses.

“Because this is a trial, we can test ideas, watch how people use the space, and adjust as needed. It gives the community a chance to experience possible future changes without locking in permanent construction.

“The single‑lane exit on Victoria Street improved pedestrian safety for most of the trial, but it created delays during the pre‑Christmas peak.

“Trials allow us to respond to real‑world conditions. Returning the exit to two lanes lets us test how this change influences the block’s overall function. Each trial is a hypothesis we can test – a process of trial and error that teaches us to revise and refine.

“The new platform bus stop will make bus travel safer and more convenient. It’s a proven design used worldwide, and this trial will show how it works in Hobart.

“We know it’s a change—that’s why we’re trialling it. We want to see how the community uses the space and how it supports more sustainable travel choices.

“Ultimately this is about balance—supporting local business, improving safety, keeping our car parks flowing, and giving people more ways to travel comfortably.”

Quotes to be attributed to Fullers Bookshop owner Tim Jarvis:

“The more people who choose to cycle or walk, rather than drive, the better Hobart’s streets will be for everyone. So infrastructure that makes walking or riding a safe and viable option is a good thing.

“Collins Street is one of the best locations in the CBD, and I’m optimistic these changes will make our stretch even friendlier to be in.

“I had some early reservations about details of this plan, but have been pleased by how receptive the council officers have been to feedback, and I will be interested to see the results of the trial.

“I see these changes as about more than just a bike lane: for me, they’re about improving the amenity of Collins Street and making it an inviting destination.”