No timeline known for delayed bridge works

HOBART motorists are no closer to knowing when the Tasman Highway will be closed to complete construction of Remembrance Bridge with the contractor yet to confirm a date.

The highway was due to be closed in both directions between the Tasman Bridge and Brooker Avenue today and tomorrow while both sides of the pedestrian bridge were to be connected by contractor Fulton Group.

But last week, Fulton Group said due to some “technical stuff” it had decided to postpone the lift.

Early this week, Fulton Group refused to elaborate on what had caused the delay.

Then on Thursday, the contractor finally broke its silence and said it had decided to delay lifting the span of the bridge in place because it was not satisfied with the finish of the cladding.

“The design of the bridge is unique and highly complex, with the cladding being a major feature,” project manager Matthew Grundy said on Thursday.

“We were not satisfied with how the cladding would look in its finished form and as such decided to postpone the beam lift.”

While the council was hopeful of having a date for the works confirmed by this week, general manager Nick Heath said it was still awaiting word from the contractor.

Yesterday, construction workers were working on parts of the bridge at Macquarie Point and at the site.

The Mercury understands the Royal Hobart Show weekend (October 27-28) or the first weekend of November are replacement times being considered. But concerns remain that the bridge won’t be finished in time for the World War I armistice centenary commemorations on November 11.

RACT membership and community executive general manager Stacey Pennicott previously said postponement to a period outside of school holidays was not ideal.

“The timing in school holidays was probably the most preferred option for that to occur, and obviously having a period of time allowing people to plan for that delay was ideal.”

The $11 million bridge was expected to be completed by November 11.