Article
Bridgewater Bridge Design
Media release – Michael Ferguson, Minister for Infrastructure and Transport, 14 July 2020
Next step in building the New Bridgewater Bridge
The work to build the New Bridgewater Bridge is progressing, with the formal release of approved design requirements for the bridge today.
This is a major project that will benefit Tasmanians for generations, and it is vital we get it right.
The eight design requirements are broadly consistent with those determined through previous community consultation and engagement with Infrastructure Australia, and include the number of traffic lanes, road height and the inclusion of pedestrian and cycle facilities.
It was previously thought the design requirements may need to be substantially reduced in order to achieve the project budget, however, a range of possible bridge designs are capable of meeting the requirements and two high level concept designs have been released.
The Australian and Tasmanian governments have committed $576 million to the new river crossing at Bridgewater, which is the largest ever investment in a single transport infrastructure project in Tasmania’s history.
The Bridgewater Bridge is a critical part of the transport and freight link between the state’s north and south, and the project will support growth and commercial development in Hobart’s outer northern suburbs.
An Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process will start in the coming weeks, with a Request for Proposal (RFP) stage. This is a new delivery model for Tasmania, and strongly supported by industry in order to gain maximum industry engagement.
The RFP process is a major step forward for this project and will see two tenderers selected to enter a competitive design process to determine a final design and achieve the best value for the community.
Involving contractors in the early stages of the project design allows for closer involvement in the development of the designs, providing opportunities for industry innovation and construction efficiencies.
Geotechnical, environmental and heritage surveys are currently underway, and must be completed before the final design and alignment can be confirmed.
Work on the project is due to begin in 2022, and people will be driving on the new bridge by the end of 2024.
To view the design requirements and concept designs, visit www.transport.tas.gov.au/
Media Release – Brighton Council, 14 July 2020
Brighton Council welcomes Bridgewater bridge update
THE Brighton Council has welcomed the release of approved design requirements for the replacement Bridgewater Bridge.
The design requirements include the number of traffic lanes, road height and the inclusion of pedestrian and cycle facilities and were released by the State Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson, as a prelude to the request for proposal expected in coming weeks.
Brighton Mayor Tony Foster said the Minister’s update was encouraging and indicated that a fit-for-purpose replacement bridge could be constructed for the promised $576 million joint Commonwealth / State funding.
Cr Foster noted the current design requirements did not make provision for light rail although the existing rail corridor would be preserved. Undoubtedly, the desired northern suburbs light rail would need to extend to Bridgewater / Brighton to have any chance of viability.
“Nevertheless, the announcement takes us a further step forward on this major infrastructure project that will greatly benefit the Brighton Municipality as well as the rest of Tasmania.
“Brighton continues to develop rapidly and increasing traffic is causing frustration, with congestion impacting travel time reliability and delaying locals, commuters and freight vehicles.
“The construction of a new Bridgewater Bridge will significantly improve Tasmania’s vital north south transport link, improve safety and reduce congestion for the 22,000 vehicles that travel across the bridge each day.
“The Brighton Council has stressed the importance of the bridge replacements for many years and it is now gratifying that this will become a reality in 2024,” Cr Foster said.
GLENORCHY COUNCIL: “Council does not have a statement to be released regarding the bridge.”
Media release – Andrew Wilkie MP, Independent Member for Clark, 15 July 2020
NO RAIL? BACK TO THE DRAWING BOARD FOR BRIDGEWATER BRIDGE
The State Government’s concept designs for the new Bridgewater Bridge are astounding for what they don’t show, and that of course is provision for a railway line.
There is a compelling case for the establishment of light passenger rail in Hobart and there’s every chance it would cross the river and extend to the growth areas around Brighton. This would also provide a valuable transport service for the residents of suburbs like Gagebrook and Bridgewater who remain sadly neglected when it comes to public transport. Remember light rail is a cost effective way to link communities, reduce traffic congestion, lower the cost of living and help clean up the environment.
Provision for a future railway line on the new bridge would also keep alive the possibility of freight rail returning to Hobart. Frankly the Brighton transport hub is a dud, in particular because of the way it has greatly increased heavy traffic on the Brooker Highway and other Hobart roads.
In any case the State Government needs to get a move on. Federal funding for the bridge was announced years ago, but yet here we are with little more to show for it than some concept drawings.