Replacing the Cam River Bridge is a key project under the Bass Highway – Cooee to Wynyard Upgrades Program, which is jointly funded by the Australian and Tasmanian Governments as part of the $280 million Bass Highway 10 Year Action Plan.
The existing Cam River Bridge has been replaced with a new bridge that is higher, reducing the risk posed by floods. Wider lanes, a cycle lane and a pedestrian pathway provide more room for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. The wider lanes will make it easier to keep traffic moving in the event of a crash or vehicle breakdown on the bridge.
The project includes the installation of traffic signals at the junction of the Murchison and Bass Highways, which will improve traffic flow. The Murchison Highway is a heavy vehicle route, and signals will allow heavy vehicles to enter the Bass Highway more safely.
A new pedestrian pathway will also connect to council reserves under the bridge.
The new bridge will benefit the community in many ways.
The Bass Highway intersection with the Murchison Highway has reopened.
Traffic no longer needs to detour via Falmouth Street.
The junction was closed to allow for upgrading, including the installation of traffic signals, and realignment of the Bass Highway with the new Cam River Bridge.
The junction will continue to be controlled by give-way signs as in the past, while we complete installation and commissioning of the new signals. The signals will come into operation in April.
We will be starting to demolish and remove the old bridge structure from Monday, 19 February 2024, working between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm from Monday to Friday and should be finished in approximately ten weeks, weather permitting.
Public access to the old Cam River Bridge will be removed from Tuesday, 13 February 2024.
Eastbound traffic (heading to Burnie) has now switched onto the new bridge, joining westbound traffic, which made the change a few weeks ago.
With all traffic using the new bridge, demolition will start soon on the old bridge and we will also start work on landscaping the surrounding area. We will provide more information about the demolition works closer to the date.
We will do some further work and testing on the new traffic signals at the Murchison Highway, which are expected to become operational in April.
Please keep to the speed limits and follow the directions of traffic controllers and signs.
We appreciate the patience of the community as we progress through the final construction stages for the new bridge.
We started working on Tuesday, 5 July 2022 and will be finished in May 2024.
We will be working from 7:00 am and 6:00 pm, Monday to Friday, with occasional work on Saturday and Sunday if required.
Please allow up to 15 minutes extra travel time during this work, keep to the speed limits and follow the directions of traffic controllers and signs.
Under the Bass Highway Action Plan, the existing Cam River Bridge will be replaced with a new bridge that will be higher, reducing the risk posed by floods. Wider lanes, a cycle lane and a pedestrian pathway will provide more room for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians. The wider lanes will also make it easier to keep traffic moving in the event of a crash or vehicle breakdown on the bridge.
The project includes the installation of traffic signals at the junction of the Murchison and Bass Highways, which will improve traffic flow. The Murchison Highway is a heavy vehicle route and signals will allow heavy vehicles to enter the Bass Highway more safely.
A new pedestrian pathway will also connect to council reserves under the bridge.
Work is scheduled to start in July 2022 and be completed in May 2024. Work will be done from Monday to Friday between 7:00 am and 6:00 pm with occasional work on Saturday and Sunday if required.
After initial concerns raised by industry and the local community, the ‘Bass Highway: Cooee to Wynyard Planning Study (2019)’ identified safety, travel time reliability and asset reliability problems as major concerns of people using the Bass Highway between Cooee and Wynyard. Heavy vehicles also have trouble accessing Bass Highway from Murchison Highway.
The design was finalised following public consultation in 2021, and includes new landscaped areas and a pedestrian path under the bridge on the western side, linking recreation areas and a future North West Coastal Pathway.
The Australian and Tasmanian Governments are funding the replacement of the Bass Highway Cam River Bridge and the installation of traffic signals at the intersection of the Bass and Murchison Highways.
The existing bridge will remain open until the new bridge is complete, when the existing bridge will be demolished.
There will be temporary traffic changes to ensure the safety of workers and road users, such as lane closures, road realignment and reduced speed limits which may affect travel times. Motorists should allow up to 15 minutes extra travel time during this work. Please keep to the speed limits and follow the directions of traffic controllers and signs.
The new bridge will be stronger and suitable for the current and future loads from freight and oversized vehicles. The new bridge will allow safer traffic management options and will provide increased flood protection, ensuring the long life of this important asset. The new Cam River Bridge will provide for connectivity between Waratah Wynyard parks either side of the bridge.
Installing traffic signals at the intersection of the Murchison and Bass Highways will improve traffic flow.
Safe pedestrian access will be maintained connecting all existing pathways and through the reserve. Part of the reserve will be closed to the public. River and beach access will be restricted to keep everyone safe.
The new bridge will include a footpath for pedestrians. Wider lanes, a cycle lane and a pedestrian pathway will provide more room for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
There will also be new pedestrian crossing facilities at the Murchison and Bass Highway intersection.
Click on the map below to view it in full size.
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If you would like to find out more information and you have accessibility requirements, please contact the project engagement consultant on the details below.
You can find out more about Transport Services' commitment to accessibility on our website here: https://www.transport.tas.gov.au/accessibility
For further information about the project, please contact our Stakeholder Engagement Consultant, Allison Madson on 0497 387 017 or by email at CamRiverBridge@stategrowth.tas.gov.au.