Tasmania’s largest ever transport infrastructure project, the $786 million New Bridgewater Bridge, has won one of the industry’s highest honours.
Delivered by McConnell Dowell for the Tasmanian Government, the 1.28 km bridge connects critical freight and passenger routes across the River Derwent, and has won the 2025 Australian Construction Achievement Award (ACAA).
It features two new interchanges, seven intersection upgrades, and a shared path for cyclists and pedestrians. The project opened on 1 June 2025, attracting more than 12,000 people for a public walk across the span. It now carries around 22,000 vehicles each day.
Judges commended the project’s technical complexity, sustainability measures, and community engagement.
Challenges included highly variable ground conditions, ecologically sensitive wetlands, aquatic habitats, and significant cultural heritage considerations. These were addressed through innovative piling techniques, the use of a temporary bridge and barge-based causeway, and extensive consultation with stakeholders.
On-site, a purpose-built precast facility produced more than 1,000 match-cast segments – each weighing up to 90 tonnes – ensuring defect-free assembly and maintaining progress despite pandemic disruptions. The project adopted a “local first” procurement approach, with 85 per cent of the workforce sourced from Tasmania.
Australian Constructors Association CEO Jon Davies said, “This is a world-class example of innovation and collaboration under pressure – delivered on time and on budget through a pandemic, with meaningful outcomes for workers, communities and the environment.”
Engineers Australia CEO Romilly Madew AO added, “Bridgewater Bridge is proof of what Australian engineering can achieve – local expertise, world-class design and real impact for the community.”
Now in its 28th year, the ACAA recognises projects that advance engineering excellence, sustainability, workforce capability, and social impact. The 2025 award was announced at a black-tie gala in Brisbane as part of the Foundations and Frontiers industry forum.
