After 80 years, River Derwent soon to re-open to traffic

The River Derwent will soon be open to unimpeded traffic at Bridgewater for the first time in 80 years, with the removal of the lift span on the old Bridgewater Bridge.

The huge 41 metre lift span of the old Bridgewater Bridge has now been removed in readiness for its last voyage down the Derwent River, aboard the Leonara barge. 

Preparations started for the spans removal at the weekend which saw a crane recently lift it into position and placed onto the barge where it will be dismantled and transported down river. 

Removing the lift span and reopening river access to mariners creates new and greater opportunities for tourism, recreation and local industry throughout the Derwent Valley with the New Norfolk Regatta one event to benefit. 

The regatta which was last held twenty five years ago was discontinued due to limited river access and with the bridge's recent removal, the regatta will see its highly anticipated revival in 2027. 

The $13m old bridge demolition project will see its steel recycled and some structure retained for heritage purposes with the causeway which was built by convicts also set to stay in place. 

The $786 million new Bridgewater Bridge opened to traffic in June 2025 and demolition of the old bridge will continue through until mid 2026.