Continued closure of Bridgewater Bridge lifting span – November 2023

To facilitate the construction of the New Bridgewater Bridge, the existing Bridgewater Bridge lifting span will remain closed until after the completion of the project in 2025.

The lifting span has been closed since 1 March 2023, restricting river travel for taller vessels travelling past Bridgewater.

The existing bridge is at the end of its functional life, increasing the risk of failure during operation of its lifting span, particularly while the new bridge’s foundations are being built close to it.

To assist with the construction of the New Bridgewater Bridge, a temporary bridge has been built and has a clearance comparable to the existing bridge when the lift span is closed.

Vessels under 2.2 metres on an average tide will continue to be able to travel under the existing bridge without the lifting span being opened, as well as under the temporary bridge, when it is safe to do so.

A speed limit of five knots has been implemented for vessels travelling through the marine construction zone and a Notice to Mariners exists prohibiting night-time navigation through the marine construction zone, between sunset and sunrise.

When travelling under the temporary bridge, all vessels must stay within the navigation span, indicated by red and green marker buoys.

The Department of State Growth will continue to work with affected stakeholders for the duration of the closure.

Once complete, the New Bridgewater Bridge will include a navigation clearance consistent with the Bowen Bridge, allowing vessels to move freely past Bridgewater towards New Norfolk.