Morning Commute: Heavy Traffic Expected as School Term and Bridge Projects Converge

Hobart Traffic and Commute Report: Monday, February 16, 2026

Good morning, Hobart. As we begin the work week this Monday, February 16, commuters should prepare for typical school-term traffic volumes combined with several ongoing infrastructure projects across the city's major arteries. With all government schools having resumed for Term 1 as of February 5, morning peak hour is expected to be significantly busier than the holiday period. Here is the latest on roadworks and public transport for your morning journey.

Tasman Bridge Pathway Construction

The major upgrade to the Tasman Bridge pathways is currently in its second month of active construction. Following the commencement of the Eastern Shore pathway connections on January 5, work continues to be a primary focus for crews this morning. While the Department of State Growth has committed to keeping all traffic lanes open during daylight hours to minimize disruption, commuters should stay alert for increased truck activity and temporary barriers near the bridge approaches. Active transport users should note that while crews aim to keep one pathway open at all times, occasional diversions may be in place. Allow an extra five to ten minutes for your crossing during the peak 8:00 AM to 9:00 AM window.

Bridgewater Bridge and Northern Corridors

Traffic on the New Bridgewater Bridge is flowing well following its opening last year; however, work to dismantle the old 1946 structure remains active. Drivers traveling between Bridgewater and Granton may experience minor delays due to heavy vehicles entering and exiting the demolition site. Preparation for the removal of major structural elements is ongoing, so please adhere to the reduced speed limits in the immediate vicinity of the work zones to ensure the safety of demolition crews.

Southern Outlet and Local Roadworks

The Southern Outlet Transit Lane Connector is fully operational, providing a smoother transition into the CBD between Davey and Macquarie Streets. Commuters from Kingborough should find this helps ease the traditional bottleneck, though general congestion is still expected as vehicles merge into the city grid. Additionally, be aware that various local road maintenance projects are scheduled for weeknights between 6:00 PM and 6:00 AM through February 20. While these works should be cleared before the morning rush, remain cautious of any leftover signage or adjusted lane markings in North Hobart and the CBD.

Public Transport and School Services

Metro Tasmania reports that all general access and school bus services are operating on their standard Term 1 schedules. After the full rollout of school services earlier this month, the network is at high capacity. Commuters are encouraged to use the Trip Planner or real-time tracking apps to monitor for any minor delays caused by the increased volume of morning traffic. No major service cancellations have been reported for the Hobart network as of this morning.