New Bridgewater Bridge Project progressing towards construction

Construction is due to commence in the coming months on Tasmania’s largest ever infrastructure project – the $786 million New Bridgewater Bridge Project – as early works progress on site. 

Just last month, McConnell Dowell was officially awarded the design and construction contract after the company was named as preferred contractor in December 2021. The builder has spent the past six months developing the project design as well as preparing to begin works on the new bridge. 

The multi-million-dollar project will deliver a new four-lane bridge that will fix the missing link in the State’s National Highway network while improving connections at Bridgewater and Granton, and providing a safe shared path for cyclists and pedestrians. 

This project will help relieve congestion at the Granton roundabout by providing the 22,000 vehicles that use the bridge daily with free-flowing access to the Brooker, Lyell and Midland highways. 

Artist impression (source: New Bridgewater Bridge Project)

A new ramp from Boyer Road onto the bridge on the Bridgewater side of the project is going to be built to enable easy access for local traffic that will travel south. Under the new bridge, Gunn Street will join Old Main Road to create a continuous connection along with more open space. 

On the other hand, a dedicated slip lane from Brooker Highway onto the Lyell Highway is going to be constructed on the southern side of the river to provide an uninterrupted journey from Hobart to New Norfolk. 

“The works will deliver safety, capacity and connectivity improvements on this crucial link on the Tasmanian National Highway. 

“This is a major transport infrastructure upgrade which aims to meet the current and future needs of motorists, cyclists and pedestrians alike,” Federal Member for Lyons Brian Mitchell said. 

The New Bridgewater Bridge Project will focus on creating jobs and supporting Tasmanian industry, and McConnell Dowell will engage with several Tasmanian organisations to get them involved in the delivery of the project. 

Approximately 800 direct and indirect jobs are set to be supported through this significant infrastructure project, including more than 200 new jobs for Tasmanians. 

As part of the Hobart City Deal, the Australian and Tasmanian Governments are jointly funding the project, each contributing $628.8 million and $157.2 million respectively. 

“Reducing congestion and improving connectivity is a key priority for the Albanese Government. 

“We are investing in a range of projects across Tasmania to improve traffic flow and decrease bottlenecks, while supporting jobs and economic growth. 

“The investment in this project will help commuters spend less time in traffic, reduce freight costs, accommodate more efficient heavy vehicles, and better connect growing industrial and commercial areas around Brighton,” Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said. 

The new Bridgewater Bridge is due to open to traffic by the end of 2024. 

Artist impression (source: New Bridgewater Bridge Project)

In mid-2020, the State Government released a set of design requirements for the project that must be incorporated into the final design of the new Bridgewater Bridge. The design requirements that the chosen contractor must meet include: 

• A new river crossing between the Brooker Highway and Midland Highway, including connections to the Lyell Highway 
• A minimum design speed of 80km/h 
• Two lanes in each direction 
• Grade separation of the Lyell Highway Junction at Granton and Black Snake Lane at Granton 
• A minimum airdraft clearance consistent with the navigable clearance under the Bowen Bridge 
• A shared path for pedestrians and cyclists 
• Throw screens and safety barriers 
• A design that doesn’t preclude the future use of the existing rail corridor 

“The design is the result of extensive planning and community engagement to find the best solution to meet the needs of the community now and into the future. 

“The Tasmanian Government has worked extremely hard over the last two years to sort out funding, planning, designs and selecting a qualified contractor. I am thrilled that after decades of talk, our action has led to this project coming to life which will meaningfully improve Tasmanians’ lives,” TAS Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government; Premier of Tasmania – News; Tasmanian Government – Department of State Growth; Roads & Infrastructure Australia; Inside Construction