Third green light for completion of Hobart’s Remembrance Bridge

In a case of third time lucky, the long-awaited completion of Hobart’s $11 million Bridge of Remembrance has been rescheduled for next weekend.

An artist’s impression of the bridge between the Cenotaph and the Doone Kenneedy aquatic centre in Hobart. Picture: SUPPLIED

IN a case of third time lucky, the long-awaited completion of Hobart’s $11 million Bridge of Remembrance has been rescheduled for next weekend.

In a short statement issued on Wednesday, the Hobart City Council said contractor Fulton Hogan was now planning to lift the final span over the weekend starting Friday, November 23.

“The Tasman Highway will be closed from 7pm on Friday, November 23, to 6am on Monday, November 26,” the statement read.

“We apologise for any inconvenience.”

Wild weather delayed the planned highway closure earlier this month, meaning the project could no longer be completed in time for Armistice Day commemorations.

It was the second time contractors had 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.

WEATHER FORECAST ENDS BRIDGE LIFT BID

At the time of the last setback, the Tasmanian branch of the RSL urged authorities to make a last-ditch effort to complete the bridge by November 11.

“It’s been in the making for a number of years and the whole aim was to coincide with the centenary of Armistice Day,” RSL Tasmania state president Terry Roe said.

“We are very disappointed but totally understand the safety concerns.”

Liberal Senator Jonathon Duniam, who had previously fought against a full road closure, said he hoped the delays had allowed the council to come up with a better traffic management plan.

“While it’s disappointing that the commemoration bridge was not completed in time for Remembrance Day, I’m hopeful the bridge will be completed next weekend as scheduled,” he said.

“I’m also hopeful that the delay will mean Hobart City Council has implemented a thorough and comprehensive plan to communicate with commuters and effectively deal with traffic flow.”

The Tasman Highway had been expected to close on November 2 for the weekend while construction teams worked on the bridge. Fulton Hogan said it was ready to go with the works but the Tasmanian Bureau of Meteorology predicted winds in excess of 35-40km/h, and potential gusts of more than 80km/h.

The winds meant crews were not be able to safely lift the 110-tonne bridge sections into place. The bridge spans were first planned to be lifted into place in mid-October, but the work was cancelled because of concerns about the cladding.