The Cam River Bridge project has been completed following a final inspection and the switching-on of traffic signals at the intersection of the Bass and Murchison Highways, on Tasmania's north-west coast.
Activation of the new signals at the intersection on Tuesday, 4 June 2024 was the final component of the $20 million project, with all speed limits now returned to normal.
Traffic was moved on to the bridge in the new year while the demolition of the old bridge and landscaping was completed during April and May.
Replacing the Cam River Bridge has been a key project of the Bass Highway - Cooee to Wynyard Upgrades, which is a $50 million program of works jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian governments.
The Australian Government is committing $40 million, while the Tasmanian Government is committing $10 million to the project.
The new bridge has been designed to better withstand flooding from a future expected increase in severe weather events associated with climate change.
The bridge is higher than the one it has replaced. It is solidly founded on 22 concrete piles that range in depth from 11 metres near the riverside to 30 metres in the deepest part of the river, and are set 2 metres into rock below the river.
The bridge has wider lanes, wider shoulders and a pedestrian pathway that will provide more room for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians, and will also make it easier to keep traffic moving in the event of a crash or vehicle breakdown on the bridge.
We thank the public for their patience and understanding during construction of this major project.
