The New Bridgewater Bridge Project has reached a major milestone this month, on time, with four of the country’s top construction companies submitting proposals to be considered to build the $576 million project.
As part of the Hobart City Deal, the Australian and Tasmanian Governments are committed to building this once-in-a-generation infrastructure project that will improve safety, reduce congestion and deliver a more reliable and efficient journey for the thousands of people who use the bridge and surrounding roads each day.
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said the proposals are now being assessed and two successful companies will be appointed to start a competitive Early Contractor Involvement design and tender process in December, before the build contract is awarded at the end of next year.
“A reference design has been released to the community for feedback as part of a broad community consultation process, which will run until Friday, November 13,” Mr Ferguson said.
“The reference design includes a new two-lane bridge and a second two-lane bridge on the alignment of the existing bridge, and shows what may be built to deliver the project’s final requirements within the budget that is available.
“The reference design is not the final design and is likely to evolve during the competitive design process as tenderers use their specialist knowledge and expertise to improve the design to achieve the best outcomes for Tasmanians.”
Liberal Senator for Tasmania, Claire Chandler, said the Morrison Coalition Government’s commitment of $461 million to the $576 million project will deliver a huge economic boost for Tasmania.
“The delivery of a new Bridgewater Bridge will drive economic growth, create hundreds of jobs during construction and provide a safer and more efficient transport corridor linking the capital to the rest of the state,” Senator Chandler said.
“That’s why we’ve backed this project with a $461 million commitment as part of a huge investment in road infrastructure across Tasmania by the Morrison Government.”
Comments and feedback received during the community consultation period will be given to the two shortlisted tenderers as they develop their own, more detailed designs that they will submit as part of their tenders.
People are invited to have a say on the reference design, either by commenting on the interactive map, or at a community drop-in session.
Sessions will be held:
Date: Wednesday, 28 October 2020
Venue: Brighton Civic Centre, 25 Greenpoint Road, Bridgewater
Session 1: 10:00 am - 1:00 pm
Session 2: 4:00 pm - 7:00 pm
To ensure COVID-19 social distancing measures can be applied, attendees will need to register to attend one of the sessions above.
To view the reference design, or to register to attend a drop-in session, visit www.transport.tas.gov.au/newbridgewaterbridge or call 1800 517 290.
More Media Releases from Michael Ferguson
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