Royal Visit and Major CBD Closures: Significant Delays Expected This Thursday

Major Disruptions for the Hobart Waterfront and CBD

Commuters and residents should prepare for a particularly busy day on Hobart’s roads this Thursday, 19 March 2026. A combination of a high-profile Royal Visit and several essential infrastructure projects is expected to create significant pressure on the city's transport network, especially during the afternoon peak.

Royal Visit: Hunter Street Closure

The highlight of the day is the official visit of the King and Queen of Denmark to the Hobart waterfront. To facilitate the event and ensure public safety, Hunter Street will be closed to all vehicular traffic starting in the afternoon. The Royal Highnesses are scheduled to arrive at 4:30 pm, but road closures and increased pedestrian activity are expected well before this time. Commuters who usually park near the docks or use the waterfront as a transit route should seek alternative paths by early afternoon.

CBD and Suburban Roadworks

Beyond the waterfront, several major road projects will impact traffic flow throughout the day:

• Kemp Street: Closed between Vibe Hotel and Purdys Mart from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm for essential crane works.
• Edward Street: Ongoing roadworks between Brooker Avenue and Short Street in Glebe will continue between 7:00 am and 4:00 pm. Expect localized delays and restricted access.
• Liverpool and Murray Street Intersection: While primarily a night project, preparations for the 6:00 pm full closure may begin to affect late-afternoon commuters.
• McVilly Drive: Remains fully closed between Davies Avenue and the Tasman Highway interchange for the installation of a new sewer main. This closure is 24/7 and will last until late March.

Suburban and Public Transport Alerts

In the northern and eastern suburbs, motorists and bus users should note the following:

• New Town: Queens Walk remains closed between Bellevue Parade and Bell Street for road resurfacing. Metro Tasmania’s Route 562 continues to follow a designated detour, with several stops near Cornelian Bay and Rugby Park unavailable.
• Rosny: Rosny Esplanade is subject to section-by-section 24/7 closures between Kellatie Road and Ninda Street.
• Moonah: Work continues at the Springfield Interchange. Stop changes are in place due to painting works, and passengers are advised to check the alternative stop locations posted at the interchange.
• Glenorchy: Road resurfacing on Jackson Street may cause minor delays throughout the day with increased heavy vehicle movements.

Commuters are advised to allow at least 15 to 20 minutes of extra travel time if passing through the CBD or utilizing the Tasman Highway entry points this afternoon. Public transport users should consult the latest Trip Planner updates before heading to their stops.