Tasmanian bridge proposal faces controversy

The design proposal for a new Tasmanian bridge project faces controversy.
By MJ Woof October 27, 2020 Read time: 2 mins
The proposed replacement for Hobart’s Bridgewater Bridge faces controversy – image courtesy of © Andrianocz, Dreamstime.com
The design put forward for the Bridgewater Bridge replacement project in Tasmania, Australia is facing controversy. The new bridge is required as the existing steel truss design, completed in 1946, has suffered maintenance issues ever since it opened to traffic.

The new bridge is expected to cost in the region of US$402 million (A$570 million), which will make it the biggest single transport project ever carried out in Tasmania. However, the design that has been unveiled has been criticised for being too costly. Some locals are also calling for the existing bridge and its rail link to be retained rather than being demolished, as it is a listed historic structure.

The existing lifting bridge carries both road and rail connections and has to be replaced as its maximum height poses limitations on the size of vessels that can pass underneath. It also places size and weight restrictions on vehicles and is proving unable to cope with the growing traffic volumes passing over it as the population in and around Hobert expands, while its maintenance issues have themselves become costly. Cables installed for the lifting mechanism in 1994 had to be replaced considerably sooner than expected. Although the bridge only rarely opens now, it has proved troublesome on the comparatively few occasions it has been raised.

The new bridge is needed as the link forms a critical part of the transport and freight link between the northern and southern regions of Tasmania. Increasing traffic volumes result in congestion at peak periods, increasing journey times and causing delays for commuters and trucks.

The proposed design is for a 1.6km-long box girder bridge that provides a clearance of just over 16m above the River Derwent. This will carry two lanes of traffic in either direction as well as having provision for cyclists and pedestrians.  The bridge will provide a new crossing between the Brooker Highway and Midland Highway, including connections to the Lyell Highway and it will allow for vehicle speeds of up to 80km/h.

Construction is intended to commence in 2022 with completion aimed for by 2024. A substantial portion of the funding required is being provided by the Australian Government due to the importance of the project for Tasmania.
Road Structures

Related Content

  • Mullum Mullum Valley untouched by progress
    July 20, 2012
    Preserving the unspoiled Mullum Mullum Valley was the major consideration when deciding to build a traffic tunnel The answer to one of the major issues facing construction of the A$2.5 billion EastLink route in Australia was simple: construct a tunnel. While it was expensive, those involved realised they had little option but to go underground to protect the environmentally sensitive Mullum Mullum Valley, an untouched area of wood and bushland in Melbourne. EastLink, the 39km toll road project on the easter
    Read More
  • Towers of power: California’s Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement
    May 8, 2019
    Challenging ground conditions meant a design rethink - and some engineering firsts - for California’s Gerald Desmond Bridge Replacement Project* The Port of Long Beach on Terminal Island south of Los Angeles is the second-busiest container port in the US. It handles around 15% of all imported goods, much of it with Asia. As the Port of Long Beach was growing in importance over the past half century, the 51-year-old Gerald Desmond Bridge has faithfully been delivering thousands of daily commuters to wo
    Read More
  • RAC blasts UK Government's poor infrastructure investment
    May 14, 2012
    The UK’s motorists are facing increased congestion and longer delays due to a steady increase in vehicle numbers combined with reduced spending on transport infrastructure. A report by the RAC Foundation warns that there will be 4,000,000 more cars on the UK’s roads in the next 25 years, while the UK’s Government has not explained what plans it has to cope with the projected increase in traffic. The report predicts a 43% rise in traffic volume by 2035, with the biggest increase in the East Midlands. The fou
    Read More
  • Making the U-turn
    August 2, 2012
    Political hostility to a toll road project in Australia has been turned around by the quality and amenity of the project writes Adrian Greeman Cars, trucks and vans were taking to the new EastLink toll road in Melbourne with enthusiasm this July, pleased to try out its 39km route for time and cost savings. As well as the convenience of the uncongested route, drivers were also able to view an extraordinary multi-shaded perspective of transparent green and orange noise wall panels, burnt earth-coloured retai
    Read More

Highlighted Content