The Tasman Bridge is an important part of Hobart and a key transport link. It connects the people of Hobart every day and is the gateway to our city for thousands of visitors every year.
The upgrade will feature a 3.5 m pathway on both sides of the bridge for enhanced cyclist and pedestrian access. Improvements will include heightened safety barriers, upgraded maintenance infrastructure, along with feature and security lighting. When completed, it will strengthen the bridge, increase safety and improve active transport connections between the eastern and western shores.
The upgrade will also include a new lane use management system for lane control during peak hours. This will improve traffic flow by automating tasks previously done manually. It will also improve safety of our workers by removing the need for them to be on the road.
It’s the next step in the evolution of the Tasman Bridge which started nearly 80 years ago when the eastern and western shores closest to Hobart’s city centre were finally connected by the construction of the Hobart Bridge in 1943. This was replaced in 1965 by the Tasman Bridge, which has since become one of Tasmania’s most iconic landmarks.
The project is currently in its first phase and community consultation has recently closed.
Our next steps will be to finalise the project design and prepare tender documents.
The tender will be advertised in late 2022 with a contractor appointed in early 2023.
The project will be completed in late 2025.
Community consultation on the Tasman Bridge Pathways Upgrade project closed on Tuesday 19 July 2022.
You can still view the project information and the feedback received during consultation on our online consultation website.
The Tasman Bridge is being upgraded to increase its safety to provide better access for cyclists and pedestrians.
The upgrade will happen in two phases:
Funding for the upgrade is a joint Australian and Tasmanian Government initiative with both governments committing $65 million for a total of $130 million.
Yes. Currently the Tasman Bridge’s paths are only about one metre wide. The upgrade will provide a 3.5 m shared path on each side of the bridge and improve connection to the existing path network on the eastern and western shores.
There will also be higher barriers on both sides of the path and the new path is further away from traffic. The new barriers should help reduce the impact of wind and path lighting will also be upgraded to improve pedestrian and cyclist safety at night.
The new walkways will take about two years to build and install, starting in mid-2023 and completed in late 2025.
This long timeframe is due to the scale and complexity of the project. We also want to minimise disruption to traffic and maintain pedestrian and cycling connections during the project.
The Tasman Bridge is designed for five lanes of traffic. In order to securely add the new 3.5 metre pathways to the bridge, it will need to be strengthened. This will also help future proof the bridge if traffic volumes increase in future.
If you or someone you know is experiencing distress, seek help and support from:
In an emergency, call Triple Zero (000).
If you have any questions, please contact the project team at participate@ghd.com or on 6210 0662.
