New Bridgewater Bridge officially open

UPDATE: The new Bridgewater Bridge is now officially open.

The bridge was opened today by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and Tasmanian Premier Jeremy Rockliff.

The new 1.2 kilometre bridge is the fifth bridge to be built across the River Derwent at Bridgewater and symbolises the next chapter in the evolution of this critical transport link. 

The bridge also includes improved access for marine traffic, with a higher clearance and no lift span, reducing delays and improving efficiency for both road and river users.

The Australian Government contributed $628.8 million to the project, with the Tasmanian Government contributing the remaining $157.2 million. According to the Government, the new bridge was delivered on time and on budget.

“My Government is building Australia’s future by investing in transformative transport infrastructure like the Bridgewater Bridge," Prime Minister Anthony Albanese said.

“We have worked with the Tasmanian Government to deliver a landmark project that will improve safety, deliver a better commuter experience, and boost productivity in this great state.

“The Bridgewater Bridge is about more than meeting the needs of Tasmanians today - it’s about making sure that Tasmanians have the world class infrastructure they deserve for generations to come.”

“This is a bridge built by Tasmanians for Tasmanians, and is something that everyone in the State can be proud of," Premier Rockliff said.

“The Bridgewater Bridge has been talked about for decades, but together with every person involved in this project, we have delivered it. 

“The new Bridge is a testament to what we can achieve in Tasmania when we work together.

Since construction began in October 2022, the project has supported around 1000 jobs, more than 25 per cent of which were employees from the local area.   

The new bridge will open to traffic from tomorrow (Monday, 2 June) with all four lanes operating at 80 km/h. 

Works across the project site will continue over coming weeks, including landscaping, construction of the new roundabout linking Old Main Road and Gunn Street, and removal of the temporary bridge and barges.

EARLIER: The public has been given the opportunity to walk across the new Bridgewater Bridge a day before it opens to traffic.

The new bridge will be open to traffic from June 2.

Infrastructure Minister Kerry Vincent said that to mark the opening of a “landmark of national significance,” the public was invited to participate in a community celebration.

“We’re inviting the community to come along to walk the bridge from 10am on Sunday, 1 June 2025, before the bridge officially opens to traffic,” Mr Vincent said.

“This once-in-a-generation project will improve travel times, increase safety and better connect the communities either side of the bridge. 

“Game-changing infrastructure projects like these create jobs and opportunities for Tasmanian families and are part of our 2030 Strong Plan for Tasmania’s Future.

“The community celebration will feature food, live entertainment, family-friendly activities and the unique opportunity to walk across Tasmania’s biggest transport infrastructure project.”

Those who wish to walk across the bridge are encouraged to register online.