Active transport advocates urge state government to widen Tasman Bridge pathways
In the wake of the state government’s decision to significantly scale back plans to upgrade the Tasman Bridge, active transport advocates are urging a rethink on widening the pathways.
Tasmania
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Active transport advocates have pleaded with the state government to widen the pathways on the Tasman Bridge after the Liberals drastically scaled back a planned upgrade due to cost concerns.
The government announced in September that it would no longer be expanding the pathways to 3.5m as part of the $130m upgrade – jointly funded by the state and federal governments – because doing so would “significantly” modify the structure of the bridge and cost “far more” than the project’s budget.
Premier Jeremy Rockliff has said the upgrade is “first and foremost about protecting human safety” and a solution has identified that would enable the project to be delivered in less time, under budget, and with less disruption to motorists.
A three-metre high safety barrier will be installed on the water side of the pathways, while 1.4 metre high roadside barriers will be established across the length of the bridge and will be built next year.
The deck of the structure will also be strengthened to increase its lifespan and an improved lane use management system will be introduced as part of a separate project.
Bicycle Network Tasmania, Cycling South, and the Hobart Walking Club have jointly called on the government to revisit its plan to widen the pathways, saying they should be expanded by at least 60cm.
Alison Hetherington, the public affairs manager of Bicycle Network Tasmania, said riders were crashing when their handlebars were caught in the bridge barriers and other parts of the structure because the pathways were “so narrow” and exposed to the wind.
“The project managers are working on barrier designs to reduce handlebar catch and remove the dangerous gantries, which would go a long way to improving safety and comfort if combined with a wider path,” she said.
“This is the government’s chance to improve safety to encourage more people to walk, ride and wheel as the current paths are a major barrier.
“We’ve heard that 3.5m wide paths pose a risk to the bridge in the event of a one-in-2000-year storm but what about 1.5m or 1.7m wide paths with lighter barriers? We’d like to see the risk assessment for those widths.”
A government spokesman said the priority for the upgrade was improving public safety on the pathways and that localised passing bays would be installed, as well as improved pathway connections on each shore.
He said the Liberals would also discuss potential one-way pathway “options” with stakeholders.
“The department will consult with stakeholders to ensure the designs of the improvements enhance cycling safety and efficiency within the constraints of the existing bridge,” the spokesman said.
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