Tasmania's largest-ever transport infrastructure project has marked its first birthday, with the new Bridgewater Bridge already transforming the way thousands of Tasmanians work, live and travel.
Since its opening on 1 June 2025, the bridge has become a vital and reliable link between the north and south of the state. Around 25,000 vehicles now use the crossing each day, totalling more than 9 million trips in its first year.
Motorists are experiencing noticeably smoother journeys, with peak-hour delays significantly reduced and travel times far more predictable.
The bridge's modern design and upgraded interchanges are supporting safer travel across the corridor, while the dedicated shared pathway has created a new, scenic and secure route for cyclists and pedestrians.
Freight operators are reporting more consistent travel times, helping Tasmanian businesses move goods more efficiently and strengthening supply chains across the state.
The project has also delivered lasting benefits beyond the road itself.
Thousands contributed to construction, including apprentices and trainees who gained hands on experience delivering one of the state's most complex infrastructure projects.
Communities in the northern suburbs are enjoying better access to services, education and employment, with the bridge improving connections that support growth and opportunity.
Work to remove the old Bridgewater Bridge is nearing completion, allowing for the reopening of the river channel and vessel access upstream towards New Norfolk. The reinstated boat ramp on the Bridgewater foreshore is also providing improved access for fishers, boaters and other recreational users.
The Tasmanian Government is also partnering with two local artists through Arts Tasmania to create a major public artwork using materials salvaged from the old bridge. The sculpture will honour the historic structure that served generations of Tasmanians and acknowledge the area's long history as a river crossing.
The project's broader heritage interpretation strategy is also progressing, with a new interpretive signage trail and dedicated heritage website that shares the rich stories, traditions and enduring significance of this historic river crossing.
The Australian Government contributed $628.8 million to the $786 million project, with the Tasmanian Government contributing the remaining $157.2 million.
To view the history and heritage website click here.
Quotes attributable to Federal Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King:
"In 12 months, the New Bridgewater Bridge has reshaped how people travel in Hobart's outer northern suburbs, with faster, safer journeys and stronger links between the north and south.
"The project created jobs, strengthened local skills and left a legacy that all Tasmanians can be proud of.
"The New Bridgewater Bridge is a prime example of how targeted investment in infrastructure creates jobs, boosts local economies and strengthens our communities."
Quotes attributable to Tasmanian Infrastructure and Transport Minister Kerry Vincent:
"Just one year in, the new Bridgewater Bridge has delivered for Tasmanians by cutting travel times, boosting safety and better connecting local communities.
"The benefits of the new crossing are real, measurable and growing across communities every day, and nine million trips don't lie.
"From freight operators to families, everyone is experiencing the different with the bridge delivering the reliability Tasmanians deserve.
"This first year shows what smart and modern infrastructure can achieve."
Quotes attributable to Member for Lyons Rebecca White:
"The new Bridgewater Bridge has quickly become part of daily life for thousands of Tasmanians and one year on, we're already seeing the difference it is making for people travelling across the Derwent.
"Lyons is home to this important piece of infrastructure, but the benefits reach far beyond our local community. Better connections mean less time spent in traffic, more certainty for commuters and freight operators and stronger links between communities."
