Tasmania has officially opened its most costly transport infrastructure project to date — the new Bridgewater Bridge — following more than two years of construction.
Stretching 1.2 kilometres across the River Derwent, just north of Hobart’s CBD, the newly built bridge replaces ageing infrastructure, including a steel lift bridge from the 1940s and a convict-built causeway dating back to the 1830s.
With a total cost of $786 million — $629 million of which was federally funded — the bridge has been hailed by the Tasmanian government as the most significant infrastructure project ever undertaken in the state. Originally budgeted at $576 million, the project saw years of planning before breaking ground in late 2022.
“A Source of Pride”
Premier Jeremy Rockliff described the new four-lane bridge as a major investment in the state’s future, promising reduced congestion and improved travel times for commuters, freight operators, and residents alike.
“The bridge delivers faster, more reliable journeys and is a source of great pride for all Tasmanians,” Mr Rockliff said.
To mark the occasion, thousands of locals registered to walk the bridge on Sunday, ahead of its official opening to traffic on Monday. Among them was Tala Foley, who said she felt relief and satisfaction at seeing the project completed after following its progress from the beginning.
Delivered On Time and Budget
Mr Rockliff confirmed the bridge had been completed within its budget and timeline, with construction supporting approximately 1,000 jobs — over a quarter of which were filled by local workers.
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese attended the opening in what marked his first visit to Tasmania since the recent federal election.
“A bridge is more than just infrastructure — it connects people and communities,” Mr Albanese said. “This project is a shining example of federal, state, and local collaboration delivering real outcomes.”
Bridge Opens, but Work Continues
While the bridge officially opens to traffic Monday morning, work will continue in the area for several more weeks. Remaining tasks include landscaping, removal of temporary construction infrastructure, and building a new roundabout connecting Old Main Road and Gunn Street.
The new bridge is the fifth to cross this stretch of the River Derwent and incorporates modern safety features for motorists, cyclists, and pedestrians. It also provides increased clearance to allow larger vessels to pass through, a significant improvement over the outdated lift-span bridge it replaces.
Ben Malone, the project manager, told ABC Radio Hobart that it was time to retire the old structure, which had become increasingly difficult and costly to maintain.
“It served the community well since 1946, but it’s reached the end of its functional life,” he said.
“With the new bridge, we can now accommodate larger boats more easily, without the limitations of the lift mechanism.”
