Council says it will try ‘improve appearance’ of Bridge of Remembrance after cracks emerge

Cracks have appeared on Hobart’s new multi-million-dollar bridge only 11 days after it was officially opened.

CRACKS have appeared on Hobart’s new multi-million-dollar bridge only nine days after it was officially opened.

The Hobart City Council says the cracks on the Bridge of Remembrance are superficial and do not compromise its structural integrity. Many of the cracks have been patched over.

But Hobart Deputy Lord Mayor Helen Burnet conceded the finish on the $11 million bridge could be better.

“We want the bridge to look brand spanking new without any aesthetic undermining,” she said.

“We are also considering what we can do to improve the appearance and we are seeking further clarification from the contractor.”

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Cracks are appearing in the concrete in the ramps on both sides of the Bridge of Remembrance only weeks after the official opening. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

A Federal Department of Veterans’ Affairs spokesman directed any questions regarding the construction and quality of the bridge to the council, which managed the project.

Hobart Alderman Simon Behrakis was disappointed the cracks were showing so soon after the bridge was opened.

“I am glad the council is looking to get these cracks repaired,” he said.

Some cracks appear to have been patched. Cracks appearing in the concrete in the ramps on both sides of the Bridge of Remembrance only weeks after the official opening. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“Especially given the delays this bridge has faced, the people of Hobart deserve a finished product that they can be proud of, and we as a council have a duty to give them that.”

The bridge connects the Cenotaph and Soldiers Memorial Avenue.

The Federal Government provided $8 million of the bridge funding through the Anzac Centenary Public Fund, with the Tasmanian Government initially underwriting this cost. The balance was funded by Hobart City Council.

The bridge suffered many setbacks on its road to completion.

The Bridge of Remembrance has travelled a difficult path to fruition. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

It was initially meant to be ready for last year’s centenary commemoration of the end of WWI, but construction hit a snag when the contractor Fulton Hogan was not satisfied with the finish of the cladding.

The opening was then rescheduled for the weekend of November 2 to 4, but was cancelled because of bad weather.

Bad weather again foiled plans for the November 23-25 weekend.

The span of the bridge was eventually lifted into place over the weekend of January 19-21 and it was officially opened on March 31.