Transport Minister Michael Ferguson says there will be delays to the Tasman Bridge upgrades

Upgrades to the Tasman Bridge could take more than three years to complete, it’s been revealed. But the Transport Minister says it’s not the state government at fault. What’s the hold up?

Fog over Tasman Bridge. Picture: Chris Kidd

Promised $130m upgrades to the Tasman Bridge could take more than three years to complete, says Transport and Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson.

Mr Ferguson revealed the delays at the launch of a long-awaited draft Hobart transport strategy.

The upgrades were first announced in October 2020 and are dependent on joint funding by the federal government.

The project will include strengthening of the bridge’s pylons, pathways widened to include better pedestrian and cycling access and upgrades to feature lighting and heightened safety barriers.

Mr Ferguson urged the federal government to “hurry up” on funding announcements which he said were delaying key projects like the Tasman Bridge infrastructure upgrade.

The federal government has committed to matching state funding dollar for dollar but the bridge project is currently under review.

Deputy Premier Michael Ferguson announces a transport strategy at Hobart. Picture: Chris Kidd

The bridge upgrade is one of more than 20 projects listed as part of phase one of the state government’s new draft Keeping Hobart Moving strategy that Mr Ferguson says outlines a long-term vision for a transport network the “growing capital city needs”.

“This is a plan for the long-term to keep Hobart moving, both literally and figuratively, in order to take pressure off the Tasman Bridge and help everybody with their motor solutions,” he said.

Fog over Tasman Bridge. Picture: Chris Kidd

“We need to make decisions to set up Hobart and southern Tasmania for years to come.”

The strategy outlines three phases for each of the projects to be planned and delivered over the next 10 years. Improving public transport use is a central theme of most of the projects.

“In the first phase to 2026, we’re proposing a true focus on more ferries and more buses particularly through the rapid bus network,” Mr Ferguson said.

“Our preferred mode of travel for the northern suburbs transit corridor is rapid buses and our plan is to extend that thinking over time to the southern and eastern approaches as well.”

Mr Ferguson said using incentives like dedicated bus lanes to create a “public transport advantage” was a part of the government’s focus to get 10 per cent of people using public transport by 2030, up from the current 6.4 per cent.

Mr Ferguson encouraged plan could be relied on in the future alongside continuing population growth.

“If we don’t do this in a co-ordinated and collaborative fashion with modern, sophisticated techniques to help people get from A to B in a way that is safe and appropriate for them … the city will simply not be able to cope,” Mr Ferguson said.

Consultation is open until early next year.