Fears of traffic ‘chaos’

WORKS on the pedestrian bridge linking the Queens Domain to Hobart’s Cenotaph during the school holidays will send “the city into absolute chaos”, says a Tasmanian Liberal senator.

The Tasman Highway will be closed in both directions between the Tasman Bridge and Brooker Ave from 7pm on October 12 to 6am on October 15, as both sides of the pedestrian and bicycle bridge are linked.

Drivers have been told to expect delays of up to 30 minutes. Senator Jonathon Duniam, chair of Environment and Communications Legislation Committee, this week said the works would cause traffic chaos.

“Essentially, the main arterial road connecting Hobart with the Eastern Shore, the southeast and, most importantly, the airport will be closed for almost three days,” he said.

“This is not good enough, and motorists will ultimately pay the price for poor planning.

“The impacts on commuters will be substantial, sending the city into absolute chaos.”

Senator Duniam called on Hobart City Council and relevant authorities to take action and provide a better alternative that does not create such a major disruption.

Lord Mayor Ron Christie said he would have briefed Senator Duniam on the matter if he had “bothered to ask”.

“Senator Duniam has taken a cheap shot and chosen to criticise with no knowledge of the extensive consultation that has occurred,” he said.

“Alternatives to a weekend closure were explored, however it was concluded that these alternatives would have resulted in greater disruption for a longer period of time.”