Bridgewater Bridge - Just like the high-school, no-one cares.
Bridgewater Bridge was completed in 1947. It is the largest Tasmanian through-truss bridge and until recently had the largest lift span in Australia. Unfortunately, this Heritage Classified Bridge was neglected and in October, 2006 it was closed for more than a week when sections of the lift mechanism were found to be badly corroded.
The bridge was subsequently cleared for motor vehicle and train traffic but it no longer raises. Because the bridge no longer raises large river craft are essentially stuck either up or downstream. It was possible to hire a motor yacht in Kettering (south of Hobart) and motor up to New Norfolk on a really lovely river. But thanks to entrenched indifference the bridge is now stuck in the down position.
There are plans for a new bridge, although due to it's heritage listing the Bridgewater Bridge will not be demolished. Hopefully the bridge will become part of a Hobart to New Norfolk bicycle rail-trail.
Posted by The Collater at 9/2/2009 3:37 PM 
Categories: Society,Politics,Industry,Historical,Government
Categories: Society,Politics,Industry,Historical,Government
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