Bridgewater Bridge at half the price

WE do not need to spend $533 million on a new river crossing at Bridgewater. We do not need a costly extended elevated structure except for a navigation span over the narrow channel at the northern end of the crossing. There is no doubt the need to replace the bridge is now urgent. The lift-span bridge is no longer viable, maintenance costs continue to rise and its ability to cater safely for today’s traffic has long since passed. We require a structure that will meet demands for 75 years, but at a cost that is sustainable and affordable now. Our need is for a four-lane dual carriageway, with a bike/walking path and provision for dual rail tracks. The only section that needs to be elevated is a span at the northern end with a 16-metre clearance for river traffic. The greater part of the river crossing already exists as a causeway, hand-built by convicts, but long since buried as the causeway was enlarged, and the fact it continues to carry heavy traffic is a testament to the skill of the builders of that early colonial era. Just as the Bridgewater causeway has provided the means for crossing the Derwent for 180 years, there is no reason it cannot continue to for a long time yet. A light rail service can be provided for, and when required, a low-level viaduct can be constructed to connect with the southern shore. The proposal needs to be re-scaled so it meets the needs of the Tasmanian community without the cost. If we can achieve a safe multi-lane crossing for half that sum, we will surely find a response from Canberra which results in the early start we so urgently need.