Reference designs for new Bridgewater bridge released, date set for 2024

The state government has released a “reference design” of a new Bridgewater bridge, with four construction companies invited to come up with the final product. SEE THE DESIGNS + CONSTRUCTION DATE >>

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THE state government has released a “reference design” of a new Bridgewater bridge, with four construction companies invited to come up with the final product.

A new four-lane bridge will either replace the existing bridge or be built alongside it.

Infrastructure Minister Michael Ferguson said four construction companies were submitting proposals to be considered to build the $576 million project.

Mr Ferguson said the proposals were being assessed and two successful companies would be appointed to start a competitive design and tender process in December, before the build contract was awarded at the end of next year.

The first option would see a new two-lane bridge built, and the replacement of the existing bridge with a new bridge, providing two lanes in each direction.

“A reference design has been released to the community for feedback as part of a broad community consultation process, which will run until Friday, November 13,” Mr Ferguson said.

“The reference design includes a new two-lane bridge and a second two-lane bridge on the alignment of the existing bridge, and shows what may be built to deliver the project’s final requirements within the budget that is available.

“The reference design is not the final design and is likely to evolve during the competitive design process as tenderers use their specialist knowledge and expertise to improve the design to achieve the best outcomes for Tasmanians.”

Labor Lyons MHR Brian Mitchell was concerned the process which allowed private companies to come up with a design would lock the public out of the project.

Mr Mitchell said apart from a list of parameters provided by the government, commercial bidders for the project would then seek to come up with the cheapest way of doing the bridge the win the competitive tender.

The second option would see a new four-lane bridge built, with two lanes in each direction.

“This is public infrastructure, the public should have ownership of this, particularly the people of Bridgewater. This shouldn’t just be lumped on the people of Bridgewater just as a transport link,” he said.

“They have to live with it and see it everyday.”

Mr Mitchell said as the tender was not due to be awarded until late next year it seemed unlikely cars would be driving over the bridge by 2024.

“Given it’s taken six years to get started on the airport roundabout I think that’s ambitious,” he said.

Public consultation sessions on the bridge will be held at Brighton Civic Centre on Wednesday October 28.

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