Construction soon to begin on $786m new TAS Bridgewater Bridge project
Major construction on the new Bridgewater Bridge in Tasmania is on track to beginning later this year following the project securing planning approval from the independent Major Project Assessment Panel that was appointed by the Tasmanian Planning Commission.
The $786 million project was the first to utilise the State Government’s new Major Projects assessment process. This coordinated assessment was undertaken by an independent expert panel that has expertise provided by relevant regulators such as the EPA, Heritage Tasmania and TasWater.
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Artist impression (source: New Bridgewater Bridge Project)
The new Bridgewater Bridge project is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments on an 80:20 basis.
“This construction will support around 830 jobs, including the creation of more than 200 new jobs for Tasmanians.
“The Liberals’ plan for Tasmania, backed by investments like this, is keeping the economy strong and building a better future for Tasmanians.
“Projects like this that deliver a local economic boost and create jobs are only made possible through our strong economic management, and the strong working relationship we have with the Tasmanian Government,” Federal Assistant Minister for Industry Development and Liberal Senator for Tasmania Jonno Duniam said.
The new 1-kilometre four-lane bridge is going to be built downstream the existing Bridgewater Bridge and the project will also include upgrading two interchanges at Granton and Bridgewater to improve connections to Lyell Highway and Midland Highway as well as the construction of a shared pathway to allow cyclists and pedestrians to cross the river safely.
Feedback from the community that was gathered throughout the consultation process was vital in shaping the project and the Tasmanian Government will continue engaging with the community as the project progresses towards the construction phase.
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Artist impression of shared path on new bridge (source: New Bridgewater Bridge Project)
In late December 2021, McConnell Dowell was appointed to design and build the new Bridgewater Bridge and the final contract agreement is due to be awarded by mid this year.
Major works are anticipated to begin in the second half of 2022 and the new bridge is due to open to traffic by the end of 2024. The overall project – including the two interchanges and demolition of the existing bridge – is expected to be completed in mid-2025.
Source: Premier of Tasmania – News; Tasmanian Government – New Bridgewater Bridge Project (1, 2); Infrastructure Magazine; McConnell Dowell
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