Section of new $786 million Bridgewater Bridge ‘non-compliant’

Part of Tasmania’s new $786 million Bridgewater Bridge is “failing to build”, diverting the attention of construction crews.

The problem stems from a faulty “temporary expansion joint” between the bridge segments, which creates an uneven section visible to passersby.

In response to questions from Pulse, a State Growth spokesperson confirmed there was an “issue” with the project.

“The temporary works on the first section of Pier 15 were not carried out properly and some adjustments are needed,” they said.

The spokesman said adjustments were being made as quickly as possible to allow “segment lifts” to move to the next span of the bridge.

“The uneven area will be corrected once the temporary expansion joint at Pier 15 is removed,” they said.

State Growth says the permanent structure will not be affected because the adjustments are “only being made to temporary structures.”

“This is not expected to delay the overall completion of the project. There will be no additional costs for the state.”

Pulse contacted State Growth last week after receiving several messages and emails from stakeholders who had noticed the discrepancy.

State Growth initially said the uneven segment was a “normal part of the construction process” but today revised its statement and acknowledged the problem.

The new bridge is planned to open to traffic in mid-2025.