Government moves ahead with house demolition plans despite uncertainty surrounding $576m Bridgewater Bridge project

The State Government says demolishing several houses is the “next step” towards preparing the Bridgewater Bridge site for construction, despite ongoing concerns about the project’s benefits. DETAILS>>

A GOVERNMENT department has lodged plans to demolish several houses to clear the way for the new Bridgewater Bridge, a “concerning” move amid ongoing uncertainty for the $576 million project, says the Glenorchy mayor.

The State Growth Department has lodged planning applications with Brighton Council for demolition of houses located at 32, 34 and 36 Old Main Rd, Bridgewater.

The three properties were acquired by the Crown in 2013 and 2014.

The 1940s Bridgewater Bridge is at the end of its serviceable life.

A letter from the department’s network management director also reveals structures at 4 Nielsen Esplanade and 37 Old Main Rd are set to be demolished.

EDITORIAL: ALL TALK AND NO ACTION ON BRIDGE NOT GOOD ENOUGH

Plans also have been lodged with Glenorchy City Council for houses to be demolished at 6 George St, 28 and 41 Black Snake Rd, Granton.

“The demolition works are necessary to allow for the future construction of the new Bridgewater Bridge,” the advertised planning documents state.

“However, this planning permit application is independent of any future planning permit applications required for the future bridge.

“No change of use is proposed, and the land will be retained as ‘urban mixed use’ zoned land in the planning scheme.”

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The 1940s bridge is at the end of its serviceable life, and no longer fit to carry the massive volumes of traffic on the main road that links northern and southern Tasmania.

A new bridge was promised to Tasmanians in the early 2000s at a cost of $150 million.

Over the years the cost has blown out to $576 million.

Now the State Government is reviewing its business case amid concerns from Infrastructure Australia and the Federal Government that the cost will outweigh the benefits.

Last year, the Hobart, Kingborough and Glenorchy mayors all questioned whether the project — which is the centrepiece of the Hobart City Deal — represented value for money.

Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnston. Picture: LUKE BOWDEN

Glenorchy Mayor Kristie Johnston said she was still concerned about the future of the project, particularly in terms of what the final design would look like, the cost and “making sure our community gets the best bang for their buck.”

“Given Infrastructure Australia’s clear concern with the engineering design of the bridge, I am concerned there appears to be an intention to proceed with demolition of impacted properties without having completed the geotechnical studies to understand if it is even technically possible to build it,” she said.

“Our council remains committed to working with the State Government on easing traffic congestion and a new Bridgewater Bridge, but we are adamant that the final design must provide our community with best bang for buck.

“A new bridge with rail access across, with gentler gradients suitable for rail, would also have a lower impact on the adjoining properties and potentially avoid the need for demolition.”

Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson. Picture: PATRICK GEE

Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson said last month that despite a rejig of the bridge design, construction was expected to be complete in 2024.

A department spokeswoman said on Thursday nearby residents would be notified before the start of any demolition works.

“The properties are being progressively vacated as leases expire, and clearing the land is the next step towards preparing the site for construction,” the spokeswoman said.

Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson said last month that despite a rejig of the bridge design, construction was expected to be complete in 2024.

A department spokeswoman said nearby residents would be notified before the start of any demolition works.

“The properties are being progressively vacated as leases expire and clearing the land is the next step towards preparing the site for construction,” the spokeswoman said.