Tasman Highway closure to connect Cenotaph to Domain bridge a ‘nightmare for motorists’

WORKS on the pedestrian bridge linking the Queens Domain to Hobart’s Cenotaph during the school holidays will be a “nightmare for motorists”, says a Tasmanian Liberal senator.

An artist’s impression of the bridge between the Cenotaph and Queen’s Domain over the Tasman Highway. Picture: HOBART CITY COUNCIL

WORKS on the pedestrian bridge linking the Queens Domain to Hobart’s Cenotaph during the school holidays will be a “nightmare for motorists”, says a Tasmanian Liberal senator.

The Tasman Highway will be closed in both directions between the Tasman Bridge and Brooker Avenue from 7pm on Friday, October 12, to 6am on Monday, October 15, as both sides of the pedestrian and bicycle bridge are connected.

Drivers have been told to expect delays of up to 30 minutes and are being urged to allow extra travel time, especially when driving to Hobart Airport from the south.

The bridge will open up Queens Domain, the Cenotaph and the Hobart waterfront. Picture: HOBART CITY COUNCIL

Senator Jonno Duniam, who is the chair of Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, this morning said the works would cause traffic chaos.

“Essentially, the main arterial road connecting Hobart with the Eastern Shore, the South East and, most importantly, the airport will be closed for almost three days,” he said.

“This is not good enough, and motorists will ultimately pay the price for poor planning.

“The impacts on commuters will be substantial, sending the city in to absolute chaos.”

Senator Duniam called on Hobart City Council and relevant authorities to take action and provide a better alternative that did not create such a major disruption.

“Not only Eastern Shore residents are set to suffer, but visitors to our state requiring access to and from the airport,” Mr Duniam said.

“I don’t understand why this impact on motorists and the community was not considered during the design phase by council. And why the impact hasn’t been clearly communicated to the public.”

Lord Mayor Ron Christie said he would have briefed Mr Duniam on the construction process if he had “bothered to ask”.

“Senator Duniam has taken a cheap shot and chosen to criticise with no knowledge of the steps that have been put in place and the extensive consultation that has occurred”,” he said.

“Alternatives to a weekend closure were explored however it was concluded that these alternatives would have resulted in greater disruption for a longer period of time.

“The bridge seeks to recognise the ultimate sacrifice made by many Tasmanians and unlike Senator Duniam, I am sure most Hobartians are prepared to respect this sacrifice and are willing to make a small sacrifice of their own in order to see this significant memorial erected.”

Cars wanting to access the Tasman Bridge and Liverpool, Macquarie and Davey streets will be diverted along Brooker Ave and the Domain Highway.

Those travelling from north of Risdon Rd to the Eastern Shore or north from Lindisfarne to the western shore are being asked to use the Bowen Bridge.

The federally funded walkway will span more than 200m across the Tasman Highway. Picture: HOBART CITY COUNCIL

Commuters are being urged to avoid unnecessary travel and to check updated timetables if using public transport.

RACT membership and community executive general manager Stacey Pennicott said she expected traffic on alternate routes to significantly increase during the construction period.

“We are pleased that the works will be undertaken during the school holiday period to minimise the level of disruption to motorists, as recent history tells us that there will be reduced traffic on the road during this time,” Mrs Pennicott said.

“With the route closed the expectation is that traffic on alternate routes will significantly increase.

“This includes on the Brooker Highway, Domain Highway as well as traffic onto and off the Glebe and Queens Domain areas. The potential exists for traffic on roads in close proximity to also become congested.”

The public will still be able to access the city centre and the Doone Kennedy Hobart Aquatic Centre as normal.

The Australian Government has provided $8 million for construction costs, with the City of Hobart chipping in the remaining $3 million for the project.