New Bridgewater Bridge in TAS takes a step closer to construction

A Request for Proposal (RFP) has been released to market for the $576 million new Bridgewater Bridge project in Tasmania, which means Tasmanians are a step closer to driving on a new river crossing. 

This project is the State’s largest investment in a single transport infrastructure project to date and it is part of the $1.43 billion Hobart City Deal that was signed last year. You can read more about the Hobart City Deal here. 

“The new bridge will deliver a more reliable journey for drivers, freight operators and the local community. 

“The release of the RFP to market is a major step forward in this once-in-a-generation infrastructure project. Suitably qualified contractors will be able to submit proposals detailing their qualifications, capability and capacity to undertake the project,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said. 

According to Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson, the plan for this project was to have two tenderers compete in a competitive Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process that will commence later this year. 

“During that phase, tenderers will work collaboratively with the Tasmanian Department of State Growth in refining and developing their individual tenders for the design and construction of the project. 

“The intention is to award a design and construct contract by the end of next year, as we continue to deliver this important and complex piece of infrastructure that will benefit all Tasmanians,” Mr Ferguson said. 

Involving two contractors in the early stages of the project’s design phase will allow for closer involvement in the development of detailed designs as well as provide opportunity for industry innovation and construction efficiencies. 

“While qualified tenderers will be eligible to ensure a competitive environment that drives value for money outcomes, there will also be a number of opportunities for local industry to get involved in the project, bringing local knowledge and expertise,” Senator for Tasmania Eric Abetz said. 

The winning contractor will be encouraged to utilize local content where possible. The builder will also be required to prepare a Tasmanian Industry Participation Plan as part of the Tasmanian Government’s Buy Local policy that required contractors to commit to fulfilling economic and social benefits to Tasmanian industry, businesses and jobs. 

Construction on the new Bridgewater Bridge is expected to begin in 2022 and is due to open to traffic by the end of 2024. 

Earlier this year, eight approved design requirements were released, and these were determined through community consultation as well as an engagement with Infrastructure Australia. 

The approved design requirements include: 

• The project will provide a new river crossing between the Brooker Highway and Midland Highway, including connections to Lyell Highway 
• The new bridge will have a minimum design speed of 80 km/h 
• The new bridge will include two lanes in each direction 
• The project will include the grade separation of the Lyell highway Junction at Granton and Black Snake Road at Granton 
• The new bridge will have a minimum airdraft clearance consistent with the navigable clearance under the Bowen Bridge 
• The new bridge will include a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists 
• The new bridge will include safety screens and barriers 
• The new bridge will not preclude the future use of the existing rail corridor 

Source: Tasmanian Government – Premier of Tasmania; Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Tasmanian Government – Transport Services