Mayors say it’s disappointing the government scaled back Tasman Bridge changes

The four Greater Hobart mayors have taken aim at the state government’s track record on public transport infrastructure, after one particular project was scrapped. What they said.

Designs for the upgrade of the Tasman Bridge were released by the State Government

The four Greater Hobart mayors have taken aim at the state government’s track record on public transport infrastructure, after it was revealed upgrades to the Tasman Bridge would be scaled back.

Concept designs were released in 2022, which included 3.5-metre wide pathways on both sides of the bridge to make more room for pedestrians and cyclists.

But last month it was revealed the pathways would be scrapped because they were not feasible, and that the government would instead install passing bays.

Designs for the upgrade of the Tasman Bridge were released by the State Government

In a Mercury Talking Point, the mayors of Hobart City, Glenorchy, Kingborough and Clarence said traffic was already heavy on the bridge and the wider pathways were necessary.

“By 2031, demand for the Tasman Bridge is expected to grow to an average of 77,000 movements per day,” Anna Reynolds, Sue Hickey, Paula Wriedt and Brendan Blomeley said.

“The Bridge is already at full capacity at peak times – and with limited alternative transport choices – congestion at the Bridge’s eastern approach and the Mornington Interchange is resulting in queuing and delays during these peak periods.”

“We remain extremely disappointed by the recent decision by the State Government to drop its plans to widen the bridge to safely accommodate more cyclists and pedestrians.

“This project would have delivered enormous benefits to Greater Hobart on several fronts, including providing a pivotal connection to our active transport network.”

Designs for the upgrade of the Tasman Bridge were released by the State Government

The four mayors criticised the state government’s transport infrastructure track record, pointing to lack of progress on the Northern Suburbs Transit Corridor, delays around and funding constraints around the proposed fifth lane on the Southern Outlet, and “slashing” Metro bus services.

“Many of these projects are associated with the Hobart City Deal, where all three levels of government committed to reducing congestion and improving transport choices for the Hobart community,” they said.

“It is unfortunate the wheels appear to be falling off many of these transport initiatives.”

A government spokesman said the government was committed to inuring the bridge met community needs into the future.

“The project has always been first and foremost about protecting human safety and that is what we will deliver,” they said.

“Detailed engineering advice is that the original plan for 3.5 metre-wide pathways cannot be installed along the full length of the bridge without significantly modifying the structure of the bridge.

“This project will focus on raising the height of the safety barriers on both sides of the bridge pathways, installing localised passing bays, improving pathway connections on each shore, and exploring one-way pathway options with key stakeholders.”

Originally published as Mayors say it’s disappointing the government scaled back Tasman Bridge changes