Council to consider North Bank bridge design

Published on 29 September 2017

The City of Launceston will decide on its preferred design for its North Bank to Seaport pedestrian bridge at its ordinary meeting on Monday.

Earlier, the Council approved the construction of a pedestrian bridge linking its proposed redevelopment of North Bank to Seaport following an exhaustive tender process.

Two alternatives were chosen during this process — a warren half-through underhand truss bridge, and a cable-stayed bridge.

During the evaluation process, it was determined by Council staff that there was in fact minimal differences from a design, technical and financial perspective.

Council officers have recommended the warren half-through underhang truss bridge.

This preferred structure is expected to only require a minor amendment to the development application lodged by Council in May.

The bridge forms part of the $9m North Bank project, which is set to get underway later this year. A development application for major works at North Bank was lodged in September.

Mayor Albert van Zetten said that getting the right decision on a final bridge design was paramount.

"The North Bank redevelopment will be a huge project for Launceston and once complete, will be one of the great attractions for children and families alike in our beautiful city," Mayor van Zetten said.

"There's a lot to be excited about with this overall project - the pedestrian bridge being a major component of that.

"Being able to link the city to North Bank in a way that is both safe for people being able to avoid crossing at the Charles Street Bridge is very important and will also provide an amazing recreational link that extends from the Cataract Gorge to Kings Park, to Royal Park and the Seaport."