The Rockliff Liberal Government is doing what matters and building the crucial infrastructure Tasmania needs for now and into the future.
The final construction phases of the new Cam River Bridge are underway with westbound lanes set to open in the coming weeks.
Minister for Transport and Infrastructure Michael Ferguson said traffic heading west towards Wynyard on the Bass Highway at Somerset will be moved permanently onto the new bridge once weather permits.
We are now waiting for a few consecutive days of suitable weather to complete the sealing of the westbound approach,” Mr Ferguson said.
“Once that happens, we will be able to get the first cars on to the new bridge. We will let everyone know once we have a confirmed date.
“Work is continuing on other elements of the project while we wait for the weather to improve. There has been no impact on the overall timeframe for completing the new bridge, as we have been flexible and adaptable in the order in which we have completed different aspects of the project,” he said.
Mr Ferguson said that after the westbound traffic has been moved, work will continue at night to widen the approaches to the new Cam River Bridge so eastbound traffic can also be switched to the new bridge.
He said once the eastbound lane approaches are completed, traffic heading to Burnie will be moved onto the new bridge and the old bridge will be closed for demolition.
“We will provide more information once the date for the second traffic switch is confirmed,” Mr Ferguson said.
“The new traffic lights at the junction of the Bass and Murchison highways will come into operation after all traffic is using the new bridge.
“Despite interruptions caused by the floods in 2022, this key project remains on time and will bring greater reliability and safety for traffic using this section of the Bass Highway.
“We appreciate the public’s patience as we progress through the final construction stages,” Mr Ferguson said.
