Description
The Tasman Bridge is a five-lane bridge crossing the Derwent River, near the CBD of Hobart, Tasmania. The bridge has a total length (including approaches) of 1,396 metres (4,576 ft). As part of the Tasman Highway, it provides the main traffic route from the CBD (on the western shore) to the eastern shore. The bridge is known to be one of the most frequented suicide hotspots in Tasmania- in 2015 alone, 7 deaths occurred at the peak of the bridge span. The 50 metre drop to the water/concrete bridge pylon surface is often lethal although some have survived. Only a 1.5 metre guard stops pedestrians from plunging over the side. It is estimated if the bridge remains in its current configuration for the next 20 years, 100 more suicide deaths will have occurred. It has a pedestrian foot way on each side, but no dedicated lane for bicycles. However, steps to the pedestrian foot way have recently been replaced with on-ramps.HistoryIn the 1950s with the development of the Eastern shore, it was decided to build a larger bridge; the old Hobart Bridge faced increasing difficulty in managing the larger volumes of traffic that came with development, and constantly raising the lift span for shipping was disruptive. The total cost of the new bridge in conjunction with approach ramps and Lindisfarne Interchange was in the area of £7 million. Construction commenced in May 1960 and the bridge was first opened to traffic (2 lanes only) on 18 August 1964. The bridge was completed with all four lanes operational on 23 December 1964. It was officially opened on 18 March 1965 by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. During peak construction a labour force of over 400 men was employed on site.
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