Bridgewater Bridge: State and federal governments declare bridge step closer

A new Bridgewater Bridge, costing $576m, has been declared a step closer — but the opposition has criticised government inaction on infrastructure.

• Pre-qualified contractors provided critical information for Bridgewater Bridge build
• Bridgewater Bridge concept designs released

STATE and federal governments have declared a contentious new Bridgewater Bridge, costing $576m, is a step closer with a Request for Proposal being released to the market — but the opposition has criticised government inaction on infrastructure.

Tasmania’s Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said the plan was for two tenderers to be selected to compete in an early contractor involvement process which was due to start later this year.

One of the options for the new Bridgewater Bridge.

Mr Ferguson said during that phase, tenderers would work with the Department of State Growth to refine individual tenders for the project’s design and construction.

“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,’’ he said.

Federal Infrastructure and Transport Minister and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said the new bridge would improve safety and reduce congestion for the 22,000 vehicles that cross it on average each day.

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

“The release of the RFP to market is a major step forward in this once-in-a-generation infrastructure project.”

State Labor's infrastructure spokesman Shane Broad described the governments’ statements on the bridge as a re-announcement.

Shane Broad. Picture: CHRIS KIDD

“The Liberal Government has promised to build Tasmania out of recession but they can’t build anything,’’ he said.

“Michael Ferguson needs to stop talking about building infrastructure and actually get on with delivering.”

Tasmanian Liberal Senator Eric Abetz said involving two contractors in the early stages of the project’s design allowed for opportunity for industry innovation and construction efficiencies.

Senator Eric Abetz. Picture: NIKKI DAVIS-JONES

“The new bridge will include two lanes in each direction, a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians, a minimum speed limit of 80 km/h and will have a navigation height consistent with the Bowen Bridge,” Senator Abetz said.

The new bridge has been contentious, with three Greater Hobart Mayors questioning if it represented good value for money under the Hobart City Deal, but it has been welcomed by municipalities in closer proximity to the structure.

State and federal governments said final selected contractors would be encouraged to use local content where possible and would be made to prepare a Tasmanian industry participation plan, which was part of the State Government’s Buy Local policy.

They said construction of the bridge was due to start in 2022, with motorists expected to be driving on the new bridge by the end of 2024.

Proposals must be submitted by 2pm on October 7, with tender documentation on the State Government website.

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