Date set for opening of long-awaited new Bridgewater Bridge after decades of uncertainty

After decades of uncertainty, a date has finally been set for the opening of the new $786m Bridgewater Bridge – and the public has been invited to celebrate the milestone at a special event.

The new Bridgewater Bridge (left) and the old bridge (right). Picture: Supplied

A date has officially been set for the opening of the long-awaited new Bridgewater Bridge.

Once seen as nothing more than a pipe dream, plans for a new bridge connecting the Brooker and Midland highways were continually kicked down the road by successive governments for decades.

But that’s finally about to change.

The new Bridgewater Bridge, as it appeared in May in the lead-up to its official opening on June 2. Picture: Supplied

After more than 900 days of construction, the $786m bridge, which has been jointly funded by the Tasmanian and Commonwealth governments, will open to traffic on Monday, June 2.

State Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent said the replacement Bridgewater Bridge was the biggest transport infrastructure project in Tasmania’s history and a “landmark of national significance”.

Members of the public have been invited to walk the bridge from 10am on Sunday, June 1 to mark the project’s formal unveiling before it opens to traffic on the following day.

The new Bridgewater Bridge, as it appeared in May in the lead-up to its official opening on June 2. Picture: Supplied

“This once-in-a-generation project will improve travel times, increase safety and better connect the communities either side of the bridge,” Mr Vincent said.

“Game-changing infrastructure projects like these create jobs and opportunity for Tasmanian families.

Mr Vincent said the “community celebration” on June 1 would include food, entertainment, and family-friendly activities, as well as a “unique opportunity” to walk across the new bridge.

There will be an 80km/h speed limit on the replacement Bridgewater Bridge, as well as a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians, and safety screens and barriers.

Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

The existing bridge is set to be decommissioned due to its poor condition and rising maintenance costs, with most of the structure slated for removal.

Some parts of the old bridge, which was built in 1946, will remain in place, while others will be “installed in the local area close to the bridge”, according to the Department of State Growth.

Work to build the causeway connecting the northern and southern banks of the Derwent River began in 1830 and the first bridge connecting Granton and Bridgewater was completed in 1848.

A funding partnership for the new bridge was announced in 2018 and construction on the project began in October 2022.

You can register your intention to participate in the June 1 bridge walk via https://www.trybooking.com/events/1391202/sessions

Originally published as Date set for opening of long-awaited new Bridgewater Bridge after decades of uncertainty