The Tasmanian Government has today released the study into the feasibility of a second bridge crossing the Cam River in Somerset.
The study was commissioned following a 12-day closure of the former Cam River Bridge caused by flood waters in October 2022 and follows the completion of the new $20 million replacement bridge that opened 12 months ago.
Minister for Infrastructure, Kerry Vincent, said the new bridge has proven to be of huge benefit to the region.
"The new bridge is stronger, wider, higher and allows more water to pass through underneath. There is also room if there is a need to close part of a lane in emergencies," he said.
"The new bridge is designed to withstand a once in 2000-year storm event which gives the community far more security compared to the previous bridge.
"The study released today, conducted by engineering consultants GHD, has found in isolation the construction of a second Cam River Bridge is not practical, however the Government remains committed to future-proofing the road corridor.
"The study suggests the primary benefit of a second Cam River Bridge at the current location would be to support future traffic volumes. Noting the existing Bass Highway on either side of the Cam River is single lane in each direction, an additional bridge in the area wouldn't have the impact we'd hope on reducing travel times for north west residents.
"We also need to ensure there is a reliable back-up route to cross the river.
"The study considers an option of a new bridge crossing further upriver, but notes its challenges unless considered as part of a full bypass connecting Cooee and Doctors Rocks. This bypass was considered in the 2018 Cooee to Wynyard Planning Study. At the time, the study suggested up to 43 per cent of the Bass Highway traffic may divert to this alternate route.
"Reducing traffic – especially heavy vehicles – on the single-lane highway through Somerset and Cooee would significantly ease both travel times and the dependency on the existing new Cam River Bridge.
"I have instructed the Department of State Growth to develop plans, costings and the feasibility for this important section of potential new road. This is a massive opportunity to transform the entire region.
"This work is expected to take 18 months commencing in the new financial year, and will include consultation with the community and road users.
"Any development of this kind would require an 80 per cent funding commitment from the Federal Government.
"The Government is also committed to working with the Burnie and Waratah-Wynyard Councils to ensure Oonah Road is maintained and managed to be a reliable secondary link for the North West.
"Oonah Road will remain a council asset, and I have written to both councils to advise our teams will assist them to ensure the resilience of this vital alternate route.
"We now know simply duplicating the Cam River Bridge won't deliver the solutions we need but we are committed to finding one that works.
"We will continue getting on with the job of delivering region-building infrastructure, creating jobs and ensuring the North West community can rely on existing and future links on its road network."
The report on the feasibility for a second Cam River bridge can be found here
