New Bridgewater Bridge project timelapse: 3 years in 2 minutes.

What began as humble earthworks carved into the banks of the River Derwent has risen into a bold testament to Tasmania’s future—a bridge not only of steel and concrete, but of vision, resilience, and community.

The New Bridgewater Bridge is more than Tasmania’s largest-ever infrastructure project; it is a landmark of transformation. Spanning 1.28 kilometres, it connects Brighton, Glenorchy, and the Derwent Valley, uniting diverse communities and landscapes. With four lanes, intelligent transport systems, and dedicated paths for pedestrians and cyclists, it redefines what infrastructure can mean for a region.

This project pushed the boundaries of possibility. Faced with shallow tidal mudflats and fragile ecosystems, engineers and pioneered the use of grounded barges—minimising environmental impact while maintaining precision and safety . Each of the 1,082 precast segments was crafted just two kilometres from site, match-cast to its neighbour, ensuring perfect alignment.

But the bridge’s true strength lies in its people. Over 2,500 jobs were created, with 77% of the workforce drawn from Tasmania. More than 380 local suppliers contributed, embedding the project deeply into the state’s economy and identity. The naming of barges—Patience, Integrity, Perseverance, Hope—reflects the values that guided every decision.

From the outset, the vision was clear: not just to build a bridge, but to build capacity, capability, and pride. As Peter Fraser noted, “Our design team focused on building capacity and capability for Tasmania’s future”. The bridge stands as a symbol of what can be achieved when ambition meets collaboration, and when infrastructure is imagined not just as a structure, but as a legacy.