After more than two years of construction, Tasmania’s new $786 million four-lane Bridgewater Bridge is now open to traffic.
“The bridge will deliver faster, more reliable travel times for commuters, freight operators and locals, significantly reducing congestion bottlenecks on this key section of the highway network,” said Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff.
Rockliff said the 1.2km bridge over the River Derwent is the largest transport infrastructure project ever delivered in Tasmania and “it’s a proud day to be Tasmanian”.
The Australian Government committed $628.8 million to the project, with the Tasmanian Government contributing $157.2 million.
The new bridge replaces ageing infrastructure with a “state-of-the-art structure” that also includes a 3-metre wide shared path for pedestrians and cyclists, new interchanges and improved access for marine traffic due to a higher clearance.
The new bridge is the fifth to be built across the River Derwent at Bridgewater.
Thousands of Tasmanians took up the chance to walk the new bridge yesterday after Prime Minister Anthony Albanese joined the premier to cut the ribbon.
“My government is building Australia’s future by investing in transformative transport infrastructure like the Bridgewater Bridge,” Albanese said.
“We have worked with the Tasmanian Government to deliver a landmark project that will improve safety, deliver a better commuter experience, and boost productivity in this great state.
“The Bridgewater Bridge is about more than meeting the needs of Tasmanians today – it’s about making sure that Tasmanians have the world class infrastructure they deserve for generations to come.”
Although the bridge opened to traffic this morning works at the site continue for a few more weeks.
Rockliff said those works would include landscaping, construction of a new roundabout linking Old Main Road and Gunn Street, and the removal of the temporary bridge and barges.