New Mountain River Bridge Opens to Traffic

Media release – Department of State Growth, 1 September 2023

New Mountain River bridge opens to traffic

A new bridge over the Mountain River on Lollara Road in the Huon Valley has been completed and opened to traffic on Friday, 1 September 2023.

The new $6.4 million two-lane bridge, funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments, replaces a single-lane wooden bridge, known locally as Oates Bridge, which dated back to early last century and no longer met the needs of the local community.

This new bridge does not require the18-tonne vehicle weight limit that applied to the original bridge, providing better access for freight vehicles serving the area.

The new bridge also provides extra room for cyclists and has a dedicated footpath for pedestrians.

In response to community feedback during the design phase, the road on the western side of the bridge has been widened to allow vehicles heading towards Ranelagh to safely pass any vehicles waiting to turn right into Lucaston Road.

The new bridge will provide safer, more efficient access for businesses, local agricultural traffic and residents in the area.