The new bridge that crosses the River Derwent at Bridgwater, Hobart. Photo: Office of PM Anthony Albanese/X (formerly Twitter)
Hobart’s new $786 million four-lane1.2km-long Bridgewater Bridge is now open to the public after its official opening on Sunday.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese says the bridge will improve safety, improve the commuter experience and improve productivity.
“The Bridgewater Bridge is about more than meeting the needs of Tasmanians today – it’s about making sure that Tasmanians have the world class infrastructure they deserve for generations to come,” he says.
Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff says they have delivered on what had been talked about for decades.
“The new Bridge is a testament to what we can achieve in Tasmania when we work together,” he says.
BACKGROUND
The federal government gave $628.8 million to fund the project with the balance ($157.2m) coming from state coffers.
The government says the new bridge is the fifth to be built across the River Derwent at Bridgewater with features new interchanges, a three-metre-wide shared path, modern safety features, and better access for marine traffic with a higher clearance and no lift span.
Since construction began in October 2022, the project has supported around 1000 jobs, more than 25 per cent of which were employees from the local area.
Works across the project site will continue over coming weeks, including landscaping, a new roundabout linking Old Main Road and Gunn Street, and removal of the temporary bridge and barges.
Federal Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Catherine King points out that the first Bridgewater Bridge opened in 1848.
“We’re opening the fifth … investing in major infrastructure projects doesn’t just keep people and goods moving, it provides an ongoing boost to local economies through more efficient and effective transport.”
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure Kerry Vincent says the bridge is a “once-in-a-generation” testament to unity of purpose.
“It is more than just concrete and steel. It is a once-in-a-generation project.”
For more information about the project or see the latest flythrough footage, visit bridgewaterbridge.tas.gov.au.
