Why is the Intermodel Transport hub being moved to Brighton?
The decision to move the transport hub from Macquarie Point to Brighton has been made to improve the transport system and is independent of the need to build a new hospital. Most freight now arrives through the ports of Burnie or Bell Bay and is then brought down to Hobarts waterfront by rail, only to be then loaded onto trucks with the majority of it sent out again into the northern suburbs. The relocation of the transport hub from Macquarie Point to the north of the city will therefore result in a decrease in the number of heavy vehicles using the Brooker Highway between Derwent Park and Davey Street, which is the most congested section of road in the State during peak periods. Plans for the new hospital, however, include a rail reserve allowing for the potential future development of passenger and/or freight rail transport should this be required.
