Remembrance Bridge contractor blames highway closure postponement on cladding

REMEMBRANCE Bridge contractor Fulton Hogan has broken its silence on the “technical stuff” that forced the Tasman Highway closure to be postponed.

The two ends of the Remembrance Bridge will need to wait a bit longer before being joined up. Picture: MATT THOMPSON

REMEMBRANCE Bridge contractor Fulton Hogan has broken its silence on the “technical stuff” that forced the Tasman Highway closure to be postponed.

Project manager Matthew Grundy said Fulton Hogan decided to delay lifting the span of the bridge into place because it was not satisfied with the finish of the cladding.

The highway was to be closed in both directions between the Tasman Bridge and Brooker Avenue this weekend as both sides of the bridge were connected but the issue forced a sudden change of plans last Friday afternoon.

At the time Fulton Hogan safety, environment and community consultation manager Steve Eeles said the delay was due “some technical stuff”.

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An artist’s impression of the Remembrance Bridge between the Cenotaph and the Aquatic Centre. Picture: Hobart City Council

It is understood the highway would have needed to be closed again if the span was lifted into place this weekend without the cladding being fixed.

“The design of the bridge is unique and highly complex, with the cladding being a

major feature,” Mr Grundy said.

“We were not satisfied with how the cladding would look in its finished form and as such decided to postpone the beam lift.

“We are working with our local suppliers to ensure the finishes of the bridge are of the highest standard and any speculation that the postponement was for other reasons is not true.

“We want to create a legacy that the community can be proud of for generations to come.”

He said the company would formulate an amended road closure date in consultation with Hobart City Council.

It is believed the Royal Hobart Show weekend or the first weekend of November are replacement times being considered.

There are now fears the bridge won’t be finished in time for the World War I armistice centenary commemorations on November 11.

Hobart City Council general manager Nick Heath said yesterday the council is awaiting advice from Fulton Hogan as to when it will be in a position to undertake the construction works.

Hobart City Council general manager Nick Heath. Picture: SAM ROSEWARNE

“I am hopeful that we will receive this advice by the end of this week,” Mr Heath said.

“I have full confidence in the team and expect that any issues will be rectified successfully.

“We remain hopeful the bridge will be in place before Remembrance Day.”

Hobart City Council said once it was made aware of a new date it would be communicated to the public.

The $11 million bridge was expected to be completed by November 11.

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