Designs for a new eastern shore path to access the Tasman Bridge have been released as the first step in the Tasmanian Government’s plan to improve the vital connection for active transport.
The government has announced a project to install higher barriers on the bridge and in the process try to make the pathway more comfortable for walking and riding.
It abandoned its much publicised project to install 3.5m wide paths on both sides of the bridge last year when engineering and wind modelling assessments determined the bridge could not carry any extra weight or wind loading.
Because of this engineering advice it will not be widening the path but is aiming to put in higher barriers that reduce the risk of handlebars getting caught and improve the surface of the path to stop wheels getting caught.
It is also aiming to put in passing bays where the bridge can withstand the extra width.
The new eastern shore path out for public consultation will create a more direct access from the Foreshore Trail on the southern side of the bridge, rather than the roundabout route via Riawena Road. This will make it easier for riders to detour when the project team has to close the bridge paths to install new barriers.
The path will be steep by nature of the terrain but will be built with retaining walls to reduce the gradient.
A path width of 2m is being proposed which is less than the Austroads guideline for a 2.5m desirable minimum width for a shared path. A very tight turn before the path meets the bridge would benefit from the path being widened.
Fencing is being proposed right on the edge of both sides of the path, this could make the path feel narrower than it already is so should be set back from the path, or the path widened.
The proposed bollard placements would narrow the access to less than a 1m which is not suitable for people using the path with prams, mobility scooters and bikes. bollards are not needed on a path as narrow as 2m.
More information on the access path design is at: https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/roadworks/current_projects/south_road_projects/tasman_bridge_pathways_upgrade. Comments can be emailed to tasmanbridgepathways@stategrowth.tas.gov.au before 23 May.
Construction of the new path is due to start in the middle of this year. The government has floated it will conduct further consultation later this year on new bridge barriers and potentially making the bridge paths one way.
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