Pedestrians and cyclists using the Tasman Bridge will notice changes from Monday, as authorities begin a series of rotating pathway closures ahead of future upgrades.
From tomorrow, both pathways on the bridge will be closed in turns, with works expected to continue through until mid-May.
“We will be completing investigations of the pathway structures to help us develop the design for upgrading the pathways,” a RoadsTas spokesperson said.
The northern pathway, which runs alongside eastbound traffic towards the eastern shore, will be the first to close.
Around three weeks later, work will shift to the southern side, next to Hobart-bound traffic.
During the works, one pathway will stay open between 7am and 4pm on weekdays, while detours will be in place for the closed section.
The investigations are a key early step in the broader plan to upgrade the bridge’s ageing pedestrian and cycling infrastructure, which has barely changed since the bridge opened in 1965.
While the $130 million upgrade won’t be as extensive as first hoped, with plans for fully widened pathways on both sides now off the table, the current walkways will see improvements.
These include localised passing bays installed at intervals along the bridge and higher barriers between traffic lanes.
The Department of State Growth says pathway connections to the bridge will be improved first, followed by the installation of higher safety barriers and, later, passing bays.
