In a massive Bridgewater shed, one of Tasmania’s largest infrastructure projects is underway as the new Bridgewater Bridge gradually takes shape.
Over the next 18 months, the purpose-built pre-cast concrete production facility will produce more than 1,000 segments that will form the deck of the 1.2-kilometre-long new Bridgewater Bridge.
Each 15 metre wide segment will be cast from five moulds and stored on site before being transported two kilometres down the road to the construction site.
Weighing between 50 and 90 tonnes each, the facility will produce up to five bridge segments each day at peak production.
The State Government say the operation will employ about 90 people, and will remain in place following the completion of the project for use on future projects in the State.
Construction of the project’s temporary bridge is due to be completed next month, with work underway to build the bridge abutments on the northern and southern shores, and the first of 42 concrete bridge piers to be poured in coming weeks.
The $786 million project is funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments, with the Australian Government committing $628.8 million and the Tasmanian Government $157.2 million.
Traffic is expected to be driving on the new bridge by the end of 2024, with the overall project complete early in 2025.
