Construction concerns over pedestrian bridge force highway closure delay

A PLAN to close the Tasman Highway to allow for works on a pedestrian bridge has been postponed because of “technical construction concerns”.

An artist’s impression of the bridge linking the Cenotaph and the Soldiers Walk on the Queen’s Domain. Image: Hobart City Council

A PLAN to close the Tasman Highway to allow for works on a pedestrian bridge has been postponed just a week out from the proposed dates due to “technical construction concerns” held by the contractor.

The highway was to 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 bridge were connected.

It is not yet known when the work will now take place.

Fulton Hogan safety, environment and community consultation manager Steve Eeles said the delay was due to a “few things”.

“There’s some technical construction concerns that we’ve got,” Mr Eeles said.

“There’s some technical stuff there that we’ve looked and decided to postpone the lift.

“We’re going to reconvene [early next week], assess where we’re at with the process, and then try to identify the next available opportunity to move forward.”

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The Tasman Highway was to be closed next weekend to allow the bridge’s spantop be lowered into place. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

RACT membership and community executive general manager Stacey Pennicott said the postponement could lead to further traffic issues.

“The delay is not ideal if it delays outside of school holidays,” Ms Pennicott said.

“The timing in school holidays was probably the most preferred option for that to occur, and obviously having a period of time allowing people to plan for that delay was ideal.

“We would be looking to see what that would actually entail in terms of timing and the communication and allowing people to make alternative arrangements once that’s known.”

The bridge under construction over the Tasman Highway at the Domain. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

A Hobart City Council spokesman said the council was awaiting further information on a possible alternative date.

“As soon as we are made aware of a new date, we will communicate this to the public,” he said.

“We are currently in the process of notifying all affected stakeholders and hope to provide a full briefing to them as soon as possible.

“We apologise for any inconvenience caused to the public.”

Mr Eeles said he hoped the delay would not cause too many issues.

“There’s always a risk of these sorts of things, but that’s why we’ve got the process in place where we look at every aspect that we can in preparation for these things and make a decision based on that,” he said.

“Components of the bridge will be completed this year, including all of the tidy-up of the area as well as the landscaping.”

The Federal Government has provided $8 million for the crossing – named the Bridge of Remembrance – with the City of Hobart chipping in the remaining $3 million for the project.