Bridgewater Bridge progress praised after reaching key milestone

The new four lane bridge is edging closer to completion, with politicians out spruiking the progress. Here’s how it’s tracking.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff with state and federal MPs and workers at the Bridgewater Bridge site on Monday, December 2, 2024.

Construction of the new Bridgewater Bridge is progressing well and the last of the precast concrete segments has been completed and is ready for installation, Premier Jeremy Rockliff said.

The government held another of its frequent press conferences on the site on Monday, marking the milestone in a sea of high-viz and hard hats.

Mr Rockliff said the segments for the bridge had been fabricated at a specially-build facility nearby and trucked down to be shifted into place by specialised equipment.

“As you cast your eyes above there to the bridge, you can see all the segments there.

There’s 1082 segments, the last one has been precast.

“They’re between 50 and 90 tons in weight, depending on where they are situated in the bridge.

“This is a great piece of enabling infrastructure, of which is fantastic to see that it’s got to this point, and we’re expecting, of course, completion in July 2025.”

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

With a federal election looming, member for Franklin Julie Collins was joined by state MP and federal candidate Rebecca White to emphasise the federal government’s role.

“What we’re seeing here is a significant infrastructure project jointly funded by the state and the Commonwealth,” she said.

“The Commonwealth Government across 80 per cent of the funds, more than $628m going into the construction of this bridge from the federal government.”

Just 25 per cent of the 1.2km long bridge deck remains to be complete.

The four-lane bridge will include two lanes of traffic in each direction, a safe shared path for cyclists and pedestrians, and clearance for boats.

The segments have been cast using five moulds and stored on site before being transported two kilometres down the road to the construction site, where they are lifted into place using specially designed machinery.

Premier Jeremy Rockliff with state and federal MPs at the Bridgewater Bridge site on Monday, December 2, 2024.

At peak production, the facility produced up to five segments each day and will remain in place following the completion of the project for use on future projects in the state.

Minister for Infrastructure Kerry Vincent said the project had been a boon for developing the skills of the Tasmanian civil construction workforce.

“One of the most important aspects of this project is not only will it bring less congestion and more reliable travel times, but it has also equipped so many Tasmanians with lifelong skills that they can take onto the next project,” he said

“Building this workforce pipeline will be a vital part of delivering on our ambitious infrastructure plans including the new Mac Point stadium and 10,000 more social and affordable homes.”

The bridge is expected to open to traffic in the middle of next year.