Upgrade to Tasman Bridge pathways abandoned

Longstanding plans to significantly upgrade the pedestrian and cycling paths on the Tasman Bridge are not feasible and have been abandoned, the government says.

Designs for the upgrade of the Tasman Bridge, which have now been scrapped.

Longstanding plans to significantly upgrade the pedestrian and cycling paths on the Tasman Bridge are not feasible and have been abandoned, the government says.

The $130m joint state and federally funded Tasman Bridge Upgrade Project was part of the Hobart City Deal.

It was announced in the 2020/21 federal budget and was expected to start in 2021 and support 607 jobs.

Concept designs were released in 2022 and included 3.5m pathways on both sides of the bridge.

Designs for the upgrade of the Tasman Bridge, which have now been scrapped.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff announced on Monday the project had been scaled back and the paths would not be built, although localised passing bays would be installed.

“This project will focus on raising the height of the safety barriers on both sides of the bridge pathways, installing localised passing bays, improving pathway connections on each shore, and exploring one-way pathway options,” he said.

“Detailed engineering reports have found that 3.5 metre wide pathways cannot be installed along the full length of the bridge without significantly modifying its structure, which would cost far more than the project’s budget.

“The government will proceed with a three metre-high safety barrier on the water side and a 1.4 metre high roadside barrier over the length of the bridge without compromising its structural integrity.”

“This project is first and foremost about protecting human safety and that is what we will deliver.”

Greens Transport spokeswoman Helen Burnet lamented the decision.

“These limited upgrades to the narrow footpath won’t make cycling or walking more appealing,” she said.

“The community have a right to feel extremely disappointed regarding the low priority the Rockliff Government is making linking Hobart’s eastern and western shores.

“Public and active transport links have to be improved, so what is the Liberal Government’s solution?

“The Rockliff Government must come good on their promise to make it easier for commuters to ride and walk across the Tasman Bridge.”