The $786 million New Bridgewater Bridge project opened to traffic in June 2025, providing improved freight and commuter travel in Hobart. The project involved replacing an ageing lift-span bridge with a four-lane highway with an 80 kilometre per hour alignment, upgraded interchanges at Bridgewater and Granton, and a shared pedestrian and cycle path. The project required construction across a one-kilometre-wide river with shallow mudflats, mud overlaying rock foundations, and sensitive wetlands, seagrass beds, and landscapes of Aboriginal and European heritage significance.
The Judging Panel recognised the strong collaboration between the Department of State Growth and McConnell Dowell, which underpinned the project’s on-time and on-budget delivery. The Panel commended the use of the Early Contractor Involvement delivery method, enabling strong progression throughout the planning approvals process. The Panel also recognised the project’s use of an Executive Steering Committee and a dedicated project team, enabling improved transparency, rapid issue resolution and the efficient use of public resources.