Tasman Bridge $130m upgrade project delayed, completion not expected until mid-2025

It’s been described as the most significant investment in the Tasman Bridge since it was repaired in the 1970s; but Hobartians will have to wait a while before the upgrade is complete. SEE THE PLAN + IMAGES >>

A much-vaunted $130m upgrade to the Tasman Bridge has been delayed until 2025, with construction still yet to begin.

This is despite the fact that the state government initially said the project would get under way last year and was expected to be finished by 2023-24.

According to the federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications Department’s website, construction is now anticipated to be completed by mid-2025.

Designed to improve traffic flow and road safety, the upgrade will widen pathways and improve barriers on the bridge, benefiting pedestrians and cyclists.

Artist impression of the planned upgrade to the Tasman Bridge.

The Morrison and Gutwein governments have each committed $65 million to the project. The bridge upgrade was described in 2020 by Tasmanian Liberal senator Jonathon Duniam as “the most significant investment in the Tasman Bridge since it was repaired following the Lake Illawarra disaster in 1975”.

Franklin Labor MHR Julie Collins said southern Tasmania was missing out under Prime Minister Scott Morrison due to infrastructure project delays and associated traffic congestion.

“It says everything about Scott Morrison’s bungling that he couldn’t even get the delivery right on the most important piece of infrastructure in Tassie,” she said.

“The Tasman Bridge project joins a long list of infrastructure delivery failures across southern Tasmania under Scott Morrison.”

State Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson said that construction was now scheduled to start early next year.

Senator Jonathon Duniam and Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson discuss the Tasman Bridge upgrade in October 2020. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

“While construction is the most visible aspect of a project, it is simply one of many stages that involve project identification, planning and design, approvals and delivery,” he said.

“The project commenced as scheduled in 2021 with procurement and the development of concept options. This work is nearly finished and we will present the concept designs to key stakeholders and the community in the next couple of months.

“It was initially envisaged that (construction) work would be completed in the 2023-24 financial year. However, due to the engineering complexity involved in planning and designing this large project, we are advised to anticipate completion in the 2024-25 financial year.”

State governments are responsible for the planning, design and construction of road infrastructure projects.

A spokesman for federal Infrastructure Minister Barnaby Joyce said the Commonwealth government remained “fully committed” to the “vital” Tasman Bridge upgrade.

“In line with the usual processes, federal funding will be released when the Tasmanian government meets the agreed construction milestones,” he said.

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