Two of the country's top construction companies have been shortlisted to build Hobart's new Bridgewater Bridge.
McConnell Dowell Constructors (Australia) Pty Ltd and CPB Contractors Pty Ltd will now take part in a competitive Early Contractor Involvement (ECI) process to develop their designs and construction methods for the jointly funded $576 million project.
Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Infrastructure, Transport and Regional Development Michael McCormack said the Australian Government has committed $461 million to this project, which crosses the Derwent River and is the gateway to the Midland Highway and the Island State's north.
"The lifting span, built in the 1940s, has had ongoing maintenance issues and placed height and width restrictions on traffic," the Deputy Prime Minister said.
"This is another step toward delivery of the project and yet another example of how we are continuing to deliver our record $110 billion, 10-year infrastructure plan, which is investing in local jobs to lay the foundations for economic recovery. I am pleased to see the project on time and on track."
Minister for Population, Cities and Urban Infrastructure Alan Tudge said the project is part of the $1.7 billion Hobart City Deal.
"It's the largest single transport infrastructure project to be undertaken in Tasmania's history," Mr Tudge said.
"Building a new Bridgewater Bridge will change the way people travel between the north and south of the State and deliver a more reliable journey for the thousands of people who cross the bridge every day."
Tasmanian Minister for Infrastructure and Transport Michael Ferguson said the project would use local knowledge and expertise to help grow the Tasmanian economy and support jobs.
"The commitment to use local businesses, suppliers and materials was a key consideration in the selection of the two shortlisted companies," Mr Ferguson said.
"Delivering economic and social benefits for Tasmania is essential and each company will develop and submit Tasmanian Industry Participation Plans as part of their tenders to design and construct the new bridge.
"During this stage, these experienced bridge building contractors will work collaboratively with the Tasmanian Department of State Growth to progress and refine their individual tenders for the design and construction of the project.
"This milestone demonstrates the hard work we have been doing on behalf of Tasmanians who want to see this vital project realised. This critical milestone has been reached on time, and we remain on track," Mr Ferguson said.
Senator for Tasmania Claire Chandler said from this process, a preferred contractor will be selected and is expected to be awarded a design and construct contract by the end of 2021 to build the new bridge, which includes grade-separated interchanges at Bridgewater and Granton and a three-metre wide shared path for pedestrians and cyclists.
"The competitive design process encourages these two companies to come up with innovative construction methods and use their expertise to prepare and price value-for-money designs that deliver the project Tasmanians needs and deserve," Senator Chandler said.
"The reference design and all feedback received will now be given to the two shortlisted companies to consider when developing their designs to optimise the delivery of the project."
A reference design showing what could be built to achieve the project's design requirements within budget was released to the community last month, with more than 2,500 people visiting the project's interactive map over the month-long consultation period.
The assessment and selection of the successful tenderer will be in accordance with the Tasmanian Government's Buy Local policy.
Project works are expected to start on the new bridge in 2022 and the new bridge is expected to be open to traffic by the end of 2024.
