Overview

The new Bridgewater Bridge is the largest transport infrastructure project in Tasmania’s history. It will strengthen Tasmania’s National Highway, connect local communities and fix the missing link between the Brooker Highway and Midland Highway.

The final design for the new bridge and interchanges has been released. The new bridge will have two lanes in each direction and new interchanges at Bridgewater and Granton.

Other features include:

• an 80km/h speed limit
• a safe shared path for cyclists and pedestrians
• safety screens and barriers
• a navigation clearance consistent with the Bowen Bridge.

A grade separated interchange will connect the Brooker and Lyell highways and there will be connections to local roads in Bridgewater and Granton.

Rail isn’t part of the project, but we’ll make sure that the future use of the rail corridor isn’t prevented.

The existing bridge will stay open while the new bridge is built, but because of its poor condition and growing maintenance cost, it will be decommissioned once it’s no longer needed. Most of the structure will be removed, but some elements will remain in place while others will be installed in the local area close to the bridge.

Many people have a strong connection to the bridge and we are working closely with the community to look at how we can recognise and promote the heritage values of the river crossing and the previous four bridges.