A coroner’s report highlights a long-overdue need for safety barriers on Hobart’s Tasman Bridge. This latest call to action comes during a horrific record of suicides and welfare checks at the site. The Tasman Bridge over the Derwent River, Tasmania, has averaged 2.6 suicides per year, accounting for roughly 3 percent of all suicides in Tasmania. The report shines a spotlight on the need for immediate action, mirroring calls to action first recommended as far back as 2016.
The coroner’s recommendations call for immediate, permanent, and structural changes to the bridge’s design, including realignments with continuing barriers to improve safety for bridge users. The union’s report highlights the urgent need for the installation of safety barriers. It repeats seven recommendations from as far back as 2016, including increasing surveillance with more cameras and developing a phased in long-term structural improvement plan.
Historical Context and Recent Findings
The Tasman Bridge has historically been the most high-profile example of community concern over public safety winning. Police records show an average of 195 such “concern for welfare” incidents logged each year on the bridge. The coroner’s report, particularly its call for urgent action, has highlighted the importance of this focus.
“Findings in this report further emphasise the immediate need for structural intervention through the installation of a safety barrier,” – Coroner (report)
The call for action is more than just stopping suicides. It is one bold step toward taking pedestrian safety seriously and protecting cyclists in the process. In recent years, new initiatives bubbled up, culminating in a concept plan published in 2022. These proposals are focused on creating broader access routes and improving connections, including on both the eastern and western shores of the bridge.
Proposed Safety Measures
Tasman Bridge proposed improvements to safety include fencing-type, three-metre-high barriers along the water side. It will include 1.4-metre-high permanent concrete barriers on the traffic side. These measures have proven effective in reducing suicide rates on similar structures, such as Brisbane’s Story Bridge, where barriers were installed in 2015.
These upcoming changes to Tasman Bridge should go a long way towards preventing these tragic incidents. In addition, they will improve the overall experience for users.
“It will also make it safer for cyclists and pedestrians from falling into traffic … the one-way arrangement will add to it being more efficient and safer,” – No specific person mentioned
Strategic action plan implementation is underway. To improve safety for all users of the bridge’s paths, designers are currently working to further refine the barrier’s shape.
Community Engagement and Future Steps
Tasmania’s Department of State Growth has indicated a commitment to involve the community in shaping the bridge’s future.
“Targeted consultation has already occurred and we will be seeking broader public feedback on the designs for the bridge pathways and barrier designs in the coming months,” – spokesperson for Tasmania’s Department of State Growth
Community input will play a vital role in finalizing plans that not only focus on safety but consider public sentiment regarding the bridge’s aesthetics and functionality.
Graeme Peck, an early PCV vocal advocate, said he felt sure that all the urgency in the world, delivered through several coroner reports, wouldn’t have done it.
“I think State Growth — all of the people directly involved in this — have now got all the facts, there’s two coroners reports, no-one can defend not going ahead with it,” – Graeme Peck
As these safety measures are implemented, experts caution that barriers are not a cure-all and won’t fully prevent every suicide.
“As noted in the findings, however, while it may be possible, they are less likely to directly prevent suicide deaths,” – Coroner (report)
