THE Bridgewater Bridge is closed to all traffic this weekend to allow for essential maintenance to be carried out. Both lanes on the bridge and the navigation channel underneath it are now closed until 6am on Monday, May 30.
A spokesperson for the Department of State Growth said one of the bridge joints had deteriorated and there was damage to the road surface, concrete and reinforcing. “We need to access both lanes at once to break up and replace the unsound concrete and repair reinforcing. The bridge will then need to remain closed throughout Sunday to allow the concrete to set,” they said.
The bridge will be reopened once the repairs have been successfully completed and the concrete has set, which is expected to be by 6am Monday. Detours will be available via the New Norfolk Bridge, Bowen Bridge and Tasman Bridge. Some public transport services may be affected during the closure, and travellers are advised to check with their local provider for more information if they usually travel across the bridge.
“The Department will continue to maintain the existing bridge to keep it safe and operational until the New Bridgewater Bridge is open to traffic in late 2024. Further information on the closure, including detour maps are available at www.transport.tas.gov.au/bridgewaterbridgeclosure
