Bridge woes: aesthetics

REMEMBRANCE Bridge contractor Fulton Hogan has broken its silence on the construction debacle that forced the Tasman Highway closure to be postponed.

Project manager Matthew Grundy has told the Mercury that Fulton Hogan decided to delay lifting the span of the bridge in place because it was not satisfied with the finish of the cladding.

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

It’s understood the highway would have had to be closed twice 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.

“Fulton Hogan prides itself on the quality of its work and we want to create a legacy that the community can be proud of for generations to come.”

He said the contractor would formulate a new road closure date in consultation with Hobart City Council.

It’s understood 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 the council was awaiting advice from Fulton Hogan as to when it will be in a position to undertake the construction works.

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

“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.”

The 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.