Bridge of Remembrance lift off again amid wet, windy forecast

The long-awaited completion of Hobart’s $11m Bridge of Remembrance has been rescheduled for a third time.

The Bridge of Remembrance under construction over the Tasman Highway at the Domain. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

THE long-awaited completion of Hobart’s $11 million Bridge of Remembrance has been rescheduled for a third time.

THIRD GREEN LIGHT FOR REMEMBRANCE BRIDGE

WILD WEATHER FORCES CANCELLATION OF TRIATHLON

The Hobart City Council on Tuesday confirmed contractor Fulton Hogan had told them bad weather would hamper their efforts to place the final sections of the bridge.

It means the Tasman Highway will stay open this weekend.

Fulton Hogan project manager, Matthew Grundy said: “The forecast for this weekend will not allow us to safely lift 100-tonne bridge segments into place.

“The safety of our workers and the community must come first and with winds predicted between 30-40 km/h, with gusts up to 50km/h, it’s not safe to proceed.”

City of Hobart general manager Nick Heath apologised for any inconvenience caused by the change.

“However we fully understand and support Fulton Hogan’s decision to put the safety of workers first,” he said.

“Obviously we are disappointed that Fulton Hogan will not be able to lift.

“We hope to advise of a new date for the lift as soon as Fulton Hogan notify us.”

Wild weather delayed the planned highway closure earlier this month, which meant the project could not be completed in time for Armistice Day commemorations.

The bridge will connect Soldiers Memorial Walk to the Cenotaph and commemorate 100 years since the end of World War I.