In coming days, the demolition of the old Bridgewater Bridge, north of Hobart, is set to reach a major milestone with the removal of the 41-metre lift span from the structure using barges and cranes.
The staged removal will start from 9 January with elevating the lift span, followed by positioning a barge downstream for overnight removal scheduled for 12 January.
The lift span will then be dismantled and transported offsite to be recycled.
Removing the lift span and reopening river access to vessels will create new opportunities for tourism, recreation and local industry throughout the Derwent Valley.
One of the benefits will be the return of the New Norfolk Regatta in 2027.
The event was last held in 2000 before being discontinued because of restricted and uncertain upstream river access.
Demolition of the old bridge will continue until mid-2026, and the area remains an active work zone.
While the lift span is safely dismantled and removed from the site, there will be no access for vessels through the main navigation channel.
A notice to mariners will be issued through Marine and Safety Tasmania (MAST) to redirect river traffic through a separate span of the bridge. Mariners are urged to check the MAST website before travelling through the area.
The $786 million New Bridgewater Bridge opened to traffic in June 2025.
The Australian Government contributed $628.8 million to the transformative project, with the Tasmanian Government contributing the remaining $157.2 million.
