Current work
The new Bridgewater Bridge opened to traffic on 1 June 2025.
Work to carefully dismantle and remove the old bridge is now underway and expected to continue through to mid-2026.
Demolition activities have been carefully planned to minimise disruption and are being staged to protect the community, river users and the local environment.
While there will be no road closures or detours, drivers may experience minor delays during work hours due to trucks entering and exiting the site.
Construction of the new Bridgewater boat ramp and jetty has started and is expected to be finished in November.
Demolition project update: November 2025
Demolition activities started in early October 2025, with crews carefully dismantling the structure.
Works are being carefully managed to reduce disruption to the community including minimising noise and traffic impacts where possible.
Bridge materials are being salvaged and recycled to promote sustainability and reduce waste.
Safety and environment
Strict safety measures are in place to protect both workers and the public, with exclusion zones carefully maintained around the worksite.
Steps are being taken to protect the River Derwent and surrounding habitats during demolition.
Upcoming work
As Christmas approaches, key activities will include:
- Ongoing tower counterweight removal.
- Arrival of the Leonora crane barge to support structural removal work.
- Start road deck removal with the lift span followed by the flanking span.
Noise
We will be breaking down the concrete counterweights from Tuesday, 2 December to Tuesday, 9 December 2025 between 7.00am and 6.00pm (excluding Sunday).
During daylight hours, nearby residents may experience more noise than usual as rock and concrete are broken down.
More information
If you have any questions, please contact 1800 517 290 or email bridgewaterbridge@stategrowth.tas.gov.au.
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River access
To allow for the construction of the new Bridgewater Bridge, the Department of State Growth has closed the lifting span on the existing bridge. The lifting span will remain closed until the completion of the new Bridgewater Bridge in 2025. Vessels under 2.2 metres on an average tide are able to travel under the existing bridge without the lifting span being opened. The new Bridgewater Bridge will include a navigation clearance consistent with the Bowen Bridge, allowing vessels to move freely past Bridgewater towards New Norfolk.
More about River accessNew Bridgewater boat ramp and jetty
To keep the public and our workers safe, the Bridgewater boat ramp and jetty will remain closed throughout the project. River users wishing to access the river can do so at the nearby Old Beach boat ramp, around 8 kilometres downstream. Nielsen Esplanade, including the playground, will remain accessible throughout the project. The project is planning to reinstate the boat ramp at the completion of the project, in consultation with Brighton Council.
More about New Bridgewater boat ramp and jettyOld Bridgewater Bridge demolition
Because of its poor condition and increasing maintenance cost, the old Bridgewater Bridge will be removed.
More about Old Bridgewater Bridge demolitionVariable Speed Limit Signs
Variable Speed Limit signs are now active as part of the New Bridgewater Bridge. The signs are present on the bridge as well as on the approaches to the bridge.
More about Variable Speed Limit Signs