Works will take place between 7 am and 6 pm, Monday to Friday with temporary traffic changes in place. Photo: Walking The Derwent.
The Derwent Valley in Tasmania’s south will have two bridges replaced and a crossing strengthened by April next year, with the hope it will improve service levels for commuters.
Each of these key transport routes is regularly used for community access and by freight vehicles heading towards Tasmania’s west coast.
Member for Lyons Brian Mitchell said it was important their road networks were safe for cars and pedestrians.
“We want more people from across Tasmania and Australia to experience everything this beautiful part of the state has to offer,” Mr Mitchell said. “It’s important that locals keep to the posted speed limits and follow the direction of traffic controllers and signs during these works – and allow an extra 15 minutes when travelling in the area.”
Federal Minister for Regional Development Kristy McBain said the crossings along the Styx River and Gordon River Road were experiencing more demand than ever and it was important to ensure they were fit-for-purpose long into the future.
“It’s fantastic to see these upgrades underway – with our $5 million investment in these works part of our commitment to upgrading ageing road networks across regional and rural Australia,” Ms McBain said.
The State and Federal governments, with Hydro Tasmania, have contributed a total of $13 million to the projects, of which $5 million came from the Commonwealth’s Bridges Renewal Program.
Preparation works began on all three bridges on 7 February, before construction started on 13 February. Photo: Transport Tasmania.
According to Transport Tasmania, the project details are as follows:
- Styx River Bridge at Bushy Park
- The Styx River Bridge at Bushy Park will be built on a new alignment
- The current bridge will remain open during construction and will be removed once the new bridge is complete and in use.
- Styx River Bridge at Glenora
- The current Styx River Bridge at Glenora will be replaced with a new bridge
- A single-lane temporary bridge will be installed next to the current bridge while the new bridge is being built
- As the temporary bridge is only one lane, traffic travelling north must give way to traffic heading toward Hobart and only cross the bridge when it’s safe to do so. Traffic management will be in place to guide road users.
- River Derwent Bridge at Macquarie Plains
- The current River Derwent Bridge on Gordon River Road, Macquarie Plains will be strengthened
- A reduced speed limit will be in place to keep workers and road users safe.
State Transport Minister Michael Ferguson said strengthening the River Derwent Bridge on Gordon River Road would allow better management of future transport and freight needs.
“The new crossing at Glenora will also provide pedestrians with a separated path over the bridge, while both Styx River bridges will be wider to provide better access for both heavy vehicles and cyclists.”
Information on other upcoming roadworks across the state can be found on the Transport Tasmania website.
