Wild weather forecast delays Tasman Highway road closure for second time

UPDATE: WILD weather has delayed the long-awaited completion of the Bridge of Remembrance in Hobart this weekend — cancelling the planned closure of the Tasman Highway.

Khaled Elagha, operations manager from Fulton Hogan, at the unfinished end of the Cenotaph section of the bridge. Picture: RICHARD JUPE

WILD weather has delayed the long-awaited completion of the Bridge of Remembrance in Hobart this weekend — cancelling the planned closure of the Tasman Highway.

The construction team is disappointed the $11 million memorial footbridge bridge will no longer be completed by Armistice Day, but says safety is their priority.

MORE:

WILD WIND, THUNDERSTORMS SET TO LASH STATE

CONTRACTOR BLAMES CLADDING FOR CLOSURE DELAY

NO TIMELINE SET FOR COMPLETION OF BRIDGE

It is the second time contractors have delayed raising the span of the bridge, which will connect Soldiers Memorial Walk to the Cenotaph and commemorate 100 years since the end of World War I.

No future date has been set for the key work, but stakeholders are looking for a weekend that would cause the least disruption.

The Tasmanian branch of the RSL has urged authorities to make a last-ditch effort to complete the bridge next week, in time for November 11.

“We are very disappointed but totally understand the safety concerns,” RSL Tasmania state president Terry Roe said.

“I hope they consider putting the bridge in next week given the importance of this,” he said.

The Tasman Highway had been expected to close on Friday, November 2, for the weekend while construction teams worked on the bridge. But traffic will now flow as normal this weekend.

An artist’s impression of a bridge between the Cenotaph and the Aquatic Centre.

Contractor Fulton Hogan said they were ready to go with the work this weekend but the Tasmanian Bureau of Meteorology predicted winds in excess of 35-40km/h, and potential gusts in excess of 80km/h.

“We’re extremely disappointed the bridge will not be ready for Remembrance Day celebrations, however as we are unable to guarantee the safety of our workers and the community due to the wind conditions, we are left with no choice but to cancel the placement of the bridge sections,” Fulton Hogan project manager Matthew Grundy said.

“Safety is our priority.”

The strong winds mean the crews would not be able to safely lift the 110 tonne bridge sections into place.

Fulton Hogan Southern region operations manager Khaled Elagha said the wind would create a sail effect on the large bridge sections, which need to be held up by two large cranes with 40m long booms.

“The wind would topple the cranes and it would be a disaster. It’s a major safety concern,” Mr Elagha said.

“We are still committed to getting it up and we are trying to set a date that will not impact the people of Hobart.”

Work in progress on the Remembrance Bridge between the Domain and the Hobart Cenotaph. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

He said the final phase of construction has been a year in the planning, and it was disappointing for everyone concerned.

“It’s gutting to be honest, but safety is paramount.”

Hobart City Council general manager Nick Heath said a new date would be set soon.

“While this is disappointing, public and worker safety must always come first,” Mr Heath said.

“We understand Fulton Hogan’s decision to ensure safety of their staff. A new date for the lift will be advised to the public as soon as possible. We apologise for any inconvenience.”

The bridge spans were originally planned to be lifted into place in mid-October, but the key work was cancelled because of concerns about the cladding.