Most expensive infrastructure project opens to public, PM labels it ‘building for Australia’s future’

Thousands braved the chilly Tassie morning to officially open one the state’s most expensive infrastructure projects.

New Bridgewater Bridge under construction. Picture: Nikki Davis-Jones

Despite the chilly conditions on Sunday morning, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese expressed his excitement to attend the opening of the bridge.

“It is normally only a once-in-a-lifetime experience to be able to walk across and to marvel at the feat of these projects,” he said.

“You will sometimes only get to experience this once or twice in your lifetime.”

Infrastructure minister Kerry Vincent said it had been an experience to see the project slowly progress to finish.

Thousands joined the politicians to walk across the bridge before it opens to traffic on Monday.

Initial: The new Bridgewater Bridge is a testament to what can be achieved through collaboration, politicians celebrating a significant milestone say.

Thousands of Tasmanians are set to walk across the bridge for the opening on Sunday and the bridge is set to open to traffic on Monday June 2.

A special event has been organised to mark the formal opening of the $786m bridge with 7000 registered for the chance to walk over the new bridge at 9am. A free family day to mark the occasion has also been organised by the Glenorchy City Council from 10am.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said his government was “building Australia’s future” by investing in transformative transport projects such as this one.

The new Bridgewater Bridge will open to the community on Sunday, June 1. Picture: Tasmanian Government

“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,” he said.

Prime Minister Albanese said his government had worked closely with the Tasmanian Government to deliver the “landmark project that will improve safety, deliver a better commuter experience and boost productivity in this great state”.

The Australian government contributed $628.8m to the project and the Tasmanian government contributed the remaining $157.2m.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the bridge was something that everyone in Tasmania could be proud of.

He said the bridge had been talked about for decades and was now being delivered and thanked the federal government for the collaboration on the “intergenerational infrastructure”.

“Major infrastructure projects like this inspire, support our economy, upskill our people, and build a better Tasmania: now and for the future,” Mr Rockliff said.

The Bridgewater Bridge during construction. Picture: Kelvin Ball

Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent thanked the community for its patience during the two years and seven months it took to build.

“This bridge stands as a testament to what can be achieved when we work together,” he said.

“It is more than just concrete and steel. It is a once-in-a-generation project and a symbol of what the future holds for Tasmania.

The 1.2km crossing had new interchanges, modern safety features and a 3m-wide shared path improving safety for drivers, pedestrians and cyclists.

The bridge also includes improved access for marine traffic, with a higher clearance to improve access for marine traffic.

Construction began in October 2022 and the project has supported about 1000 jobs with more than 25 per cent of those employed from the local area.

Federal Infrastructure Minister Catherine King said she was proud to be celebrating the historic moment opening the fifth crossing over the Derwent at Bridgewater.

“The first Bridgewater Bridge opened in 1848, and today we’re opening the fifth, marking a historic milestone in the history of Tasmania,” she said.

“Investing in major infrastructure projects doesn’t just keep people and goods moving, it provides an ongoing boost to local economies through more efficient and effective transport.”

But Bureau of Meteorology meteorologist Alex Melitsis warns that it may be a chilly start to the opening – with one uninvited guest.

“It’s probably going to be a similar daily temperature as it was on Sunday,” he said.

“The morning will definitely be a lot cooler in Bridgewater, potentially close to one degree in the early morning.

“There might even be a chance of seeing the Bridgewater Jerry.”

Originally published as Most expensive infrastructure project opens to public, PM labels it ‘building for Australia’s future’