New Bridgewater Bridge in Hobart’s northern suburbs left off Infrastructure Australia priority projects list

Infrastructure Australia has left the $576 million Bridgewater Bridge replacement off its priority projects list, and said it would welcome a revised proposal for “a less expensive solution”.

A concept design of a new Bridgewater Bridge. Picture: SUPPLIED

THE Federal Government has reaffirmed its multimillion-dollar commitment to the new Bridgewater Bridge despite the project being left off the government funded Infrastructure Australia priority projects list.

The nation’s independent infrastructure advisor will on Tuesday update its nationally significant projects which includes the addition of University of Tasmania’s $300 million proposal to build new campuses in Burnie and Launceston on the priority list.

BRIDGEWATER BRIDGE EARNS PLACE IN STATE’S HERITAGE

NO SIGN OF BUSINESS CASE FOR BRIDGEWATER BRIDGE

The bridge business case was also assessed but Infrastructure Australia determined it did not warrant priority project status as it didn’t demonstrate the benefits would outweigh its costs.

“The business case also identifies a number of unresolved engineering issues that could add further costs to the project, including design issues and future maintenance requirements for the existing bridge,” Infrastructure Australia chief executive Romilly Madew said.

“We would welcome a revised proposal for a less expensive solution that better matches the project’s expected benefits.”

The historic Bridgewater Bridge that has been earmarked for replacement.

She said Infrastructure Australia recognised the strategic importance of crossing capacity over the River Derwent which is why it retained its status as a priority initiative.

The Federal Government has committed $461 million to the project, with this year’s state budget locking in the Tasmanian Government’s $115 million share of the funding.

Deputy Prime Minister and Federal Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Minister Michael McCormack said the bridge was a vital commuter and freight link and was a central pillar of the Hobart City Deal.

“It will enable motorists to maintain highway speeds across its length — improving safety, productivity and amenity for the motoring public,” he said.

Acting Premier Jeremy Rockliff said the project was finally being delivered after years of talk.

Ms Madew praised the UTAS Northern Transformation Program for relocating its Launceston and Burnie campuses to new inner-city locations with modern, world-class teaching and research facilities.

“Being included as a priority project … shows that a proposal has undergone a rigorous business case assessment and has been proven to have significant benefits for the community,” Ms Madew said.

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