Construction commencing on Queens Domain pedestrian bridge

Published on 12 December 2017

The construction of a pedestrian bridge spanning the Tasman Highway between the Cenotaph and the Soldiers Memorial Avenue is set to commence this week. Construction will be completed by November 2018.

Lord Mayor of the City of Hobart, Alderman Sue Hickey said that she was pleased works were imminent on a project that will finally reconnect the Cenotaph to Soldiers Memorial Avenue and the rest of the Domain.

“The contracted builder has begun establishing their work site and construction will be in full swing in the coming weeks,” Ald Hickey said.

“Not only will a pedestrian bridge spanning nearly 200 meters across the Tasman Highway be an entry marker to our City, it will provide a much needed, safe and all-abilities pedestrian link from Hobart’s key tourist precinct to a major city park – the 230 hectares of Domain parkland.

“It also provides us with a unique opportunity to draw attention and be of great benefit to the Soldiers Memorial Avenue and the State’s pre-eminent war memorial at the Cenotaph,” said Ald Hickey.

Chairman of the Council’s Parks and Recreation Committee, Alderman Anna Reynolds said this key piece of city infrastructure was a significant project within the Council’s Queens Domain Master Plan 2013-2033.

“It also aligns closely with the Council’s desire to improve movement around and connections within Hobart.

“Ultimately, pedestrians and bike riders will be able to travel from the intercity cycle-way across this bridge, traverse through the Rose Garden to the another bridge over Brooker Avenue and onwards directly into the city centre,” said Ald Reynolds.

It is expected that there will be minor impacts on traffic when the bridge main span is lifted into place later in 2018 and there will be minor disruption to pedestrians and bike riders during construction. Alternative pathways for pedestrians and bike riders will be put in place on both sides of the highway.

The Lord Mayor thanked the Australian Government for the provision of $8 million from its ANZAC Centenary Public Fund saying that the commitment was very much appreciated.

Facts and figures:

• 196.7 metres overall length with a 57m span across the Tasman Highway
• 320 tonnes of steel will be used in its construction
• All abilities bridge – the bridge gently inclines from ANZAC Parade across the Tasman Highway to Soldiers Memorial Avenue providing safe access for all abilities.