Construction nears on new Bridgewater Bridge Project in TAS

Tasmania’s largest ever transport infrastructure project is set to begin construction this year following the appointment of McConnell Dowell Constructors Pty Ltd as the preferred builder to deliver the new Bridgewater Bridge project. 

This contract award will enable the company to begin design-specific site investigations as well as finalise the designs and prepare construction management plans prior to beginning major works in mid-2022. 

“The upgrade will benefit approximately 22,000 people that travel across the bridge each day, including local residents, commuters and freight vehicles. 

“Construction will support around 830 jobs, including the creation of more than 200 new jobs for locals. This will deliver an important economic boost to the local economy,” Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Barnaby Joyce said. 

Artist impression (source: New Bridgewater Bridge Project)

Along with the announcement of the contractor, the Australian Government has also committed an additional $167.8 million in funding to get the ball rolling on this critical project. 

The new Bridgewater Bridge project is also a key element in the $1.7 billion Hobart City Deal. 

“This project is another example of all levels of government working together to guide and encourage investment to leverage Hobart’s natural amenity and build on its position as a vibrant, liveable and connected city,” Federal Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts Paul Fletcher MP said. 

The design option selected by McConnell Dowell features a new, standalone four-lane bridge downstream the existing river crossing. The design also includes enhanced interchanges at Granton and Bridgewater as well as a shared path for pedestrians and cyclists, with a navigation height that matches the Bowen Bridge. 

Artist impression (source: New Bridgewater Bridge Project)

Several design changes have been integrated by the contractor into their design to accommodate feedback from the reference design consultation back in late 2020. These design enhancements include a southbound on-ramp leading to the bridge from Bridgewater and additional connections between Brooker and Lyell Highways to provide motorists easier access to and from New Norfolk. 

“A number of changes requested by local residents have been incorporated into the final design of the new Bridge, including a direct route for drivers travelling between Hobart and New Norfolk without having to travel through a roundabout. 

“The Australian Government’s increased investment in the project has allowed these changes to be included in the design. 

“The new Bridgewater Bridge will provide immense economic benefits and improve transport times and freight efficiency for tens of thousands of Tasmanians driving over the bridge every day,” Senator for Tasmania Claire Chandler said. 

Once completed, the new Bridgewater Bridge will transform the way people travel between the north and the south of Tasmania by improving safety and efficiency along this route as well as by providing better connections for local communities and creating more open space. 

The new Bridgewater Bridge is set to open to traffic by the end of 2024. 

Source: Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development; Minister for Communications, Urban Infrastructure, Cities and the Arts; Tasmanian Government – New Bridgewater Bridge Project (1, 2); Premier of Tasmania