New Bridgewater Bridge continues to take shape

Work to build Tasmania’s largest ever transport infrastructure project is surging ahead, with the new Bridgewater Bridge reaching another major milestone.

The last of the 1,082 concrete segments that will make up the 1.2-kilometre-long deck of the new bridge has been produced in Bridgewater.

The Australian and Tasmanian governments are investing $786 million in the project, with the Australian Government committing $628.8 million.

The project will fix the missing link between the Brooker Highway and Midland Highway.

The four-lane bridge will include two lanes of traffic in each direction, a safe shared path for cyclists and pedestrians, and clearance for boats.

Over the past 18 months, the project’s purpose-built precast facility has produced the 1,082 segments, each weighing between 50 and 90 tonnes and measuring 15 metres wide.

The segments have been cast using five moulds and stored on site before being transported two kilometres down the road to the construction site, where they are lifted into place using specially designed machinery.

At peak production, the facility produced up to five segments each day and will remain in place following the completion of the project for use on future projects in the state.

Construction contractor, McConnell Dowell has placed an emphasis on skill development and pathway opportunities to the workforce at the precast yard, with a key focus of the project being creating jobs, upskilling workers and supporting Tasmanian industry.

A key benefit of building the precast yard close to the project site in Bridgewater has been the jobs and training opportunities it has provided, particularly for low and unskilled workers.

While the focus of the project now turns to installing the segments and preparing the bridge to open to traffic in mid-2025, major traffic changes will take place in Bridgewater and Granton next week so that construction can continue to progress safely. Further details of these traffic changes will be released in the coming days.

For more information about the project and to see the latest flythrough footage visit the project website at https://bridgewaterbridge.tas.gov.au.

Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff:

“This is another major milestone for the biggest transport infrastructure project ever to happen in Tasmania.

“It’s fantastic that the final pieces of the New Bridgewater Bridge are coming together, and we’ll be excited to see traffic driving on the new bridge next year.

“Completing the 1,082 concrete segments in 18 months is an enormous effort and something that everyone involved should be proud of.

“Now all the segments have been produced, the teams move their focus to getting them into place, with about 25 per cent remaining.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:

“We know how important it is to deliver infrastructure that gets people home quicker and more safely.

“This much-needed bridge replacement will also boost economic opportunities including ensuring tourists have a more enjoyable experience getting to and from the north and south of the state.

“We continue to deliver our commitments to priority projects right around Australia.”

Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure Kerry Vincent:

“As recently appointed Infrastructure Minister it is my great fortune to be able to step into this role at such an exciting time as we start down the finishing straight on the back of the hard work done by so many people who have worked on the project.

“One of the most important aspects of this project is not only will it bring less congestion and more reliable travel times, but it has also equipped so many Tasmanians with lifelong skills that they can take onto the next project.

“Building this workforce pipeline will be a vital part of delivering on our ambitious infrastructure plans including the new Mac Point stadium and 10,000 more social and affordable homes.”

Quotes attributable to Federal Member for Franklin Julie Collins:

“It is great to see the New Bridgewater Bridge hit another significant milestone.

“This project will ensure a reliable and safe road link over the Derwent River for Tasmanians and tourists.

“The Albanese Labor Government continues to invest in critical infrastructure projects across Tasmania and our significant 80% investment in the new Bridgewater Bridge is yet another example."