Construction of new Bridgewater Bridge finally set to begin ‘in coming months’: Michael Ferguson
More than two decades after it was first proposed, construction is finally set to begin on the new Bridgewater Bridge, with the state government revealing when major works are expected to start.
Tasmania
Don't miss out on the headlines from Tasmania. Followed categories will be added to My News.
Construction of the new Bridgewater Bridge will finally begin later this year, more than two decades after funding was first committed to the project.
Tasmanian Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson on Wednesday met with his federal counterpart, Catherine King, who was in Hobart to observe the geotechnical works being undertaken on the Derwent River at Granton, as the start date for the $786m bridge build looms ever closer.
McConnell Dowell was awarded the contract to design and build the new four-lane bridge – which will be constructed downstream of the existing bridge – late last year.
Mr Ferguson said the state government had held up its end of the bargain by securing planning approvals and federal funding for the project and now it was up to the contractor to ensure that the bridge was open to traffic by late 2024.
“The onus, really, now is on the contractor, McConnell Dowell, to deliver, together in alignment with our project team,” he said.
The contract documents for the long-awaited bridge linking the Brooker and Midland highways had all been “completed and executed”, Mr Ferguson said, and a plan was in place for major works to begin “in coming months”.
“This is a bridge for the whole state,” he said. “It connects the entirety of northern and central Tasmania to its capital city, and with clever interchanges on both sides of the bridge, making sure that we have really effective access for the Lyell and East Derwent Highway communities, as well.”
Mr Ferguson warned of traffic delays as a result of the coming bridge works and advised people to factor in additional travel time when planning to drive through the area.
Ms King, the federal Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister, described the new bridge, which will be the biggest infrastructure project ever undertaken in Tasmania, as “nation-building”.
“I’m looking forward to seeing a little bit later in this year, not too far away, the first works starting and seeing the first pylons driven and actually seeing this bridge come to shape over the course of the next few months …” she said.
Lyons Labor MHR Brian Mitchell, whose electorate is home to the bridge, has previously said he would “eat his hat” if the new bridge was open to traffic by late 2024.
“If cars are over this bridge by [then], I’ll very happily tuck into a hat-shaped cake at the opening ceremony,” he joked.
The existing Bridgewater Bridge, which opened in 1946 and handles 22,000 vehicles a day, will remain in operation while its replacement is built – but it will eventually be demolished, removing the infamous bottleneck at the Granton roundabout.
The new bridge will include a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians and will be accessible on the Bridgewater side via a ramp from Boyer Rd. Gunn St will link up with Old Main Rd under the new bridge, which will “create a continuous connection and more open space”, Mr Ferguson said.
Meanwhile, on the southern side of the bridge, the journey from Hobart to New Norfolk will be made easier thanks to a dedicated slip lane connecting the Brooker Highway with the Lyell Highway.
The project will support more than 800 jobs, including 200 new positions for Tasmanians.
The federal government is contributing $628.8m towards the new bridge, with the state government paying the difference of $157.2m.
More Coverage
Libs blocking access to Marinus Link business case: Labor
Labor has accused the Liberals of blocking access to a business plan for one of the nation’s biggest energy projects, the Marinus Link undersea interconnector.
Police warn motorists to drive to conditions after multiple crashes
Multiple wet weather crashes occurred across Tasmania on Saturday, prompting police to urge motorists to drive to the conditions and be wary of their surroundings.