Overhanging trees and branches along the road to the summit of Hobart’s most iconic attraction have received a much-needed trim, as the City of Hobart continues to carry out maintenance works across the city.
Pinnacle Road, which winds its way through Wellington Park to the top of kunanyi / Mount Wellington, remains closed to motorised vehicles as a result of COVID-19 restrictions.
Lord Mayor Anna Reynolds said the City of Hobart had taken advantage of the closure to carry out much-needed maintenance on the mountain.
“Our crews have been up on the mountain while road is closed, undertaking a range of maintenance and improvement works,” Cr Reynolds said. “This includes cutting back overhanging vegetation along Pinnacle Road to create much safer driving conditions for when it reopens.
“Sight lines have been improved through trimming back overhanging vegetation, allowing drivers better vision of oncoming traffic.
“The work has also allowed more sunlight on to the road in winter, reducing the risks of dangerous ice spots along the roadway.”
Other works that are being carried out include clearing of stormwater drains and culverts, repairing road verges, repairing rock fall barriers, road surface repairs and line marking, and maintenance of pathways and signage.
“Pinnacle Road carries hundreds of thousands of people to the top of kunanyi / Mount Wellington every year,” Cr Reynolds said.
“While we expect things will be a little quieter for the foreseeable future, we are doing everything we can to make sure the mountain is ready for locals and visitors when they return.”
The construction of Pinnacle Road was a government initiative during the Great Depression. It took more than two years to complete, with the road opening in 1937. The project employed thousands of men working in short stints.
Wellington Park is currently open to walkers and cyclists for exercise but Pinnacle Road is closed to motorised vehicles from Fern Tree. The City of Hobart will reopen the road when the state government advises it is safe to do so.
