Cam River Bridge Replacement and Murchison Highway Signalisation

The new bridge will benefit the community in many ways.

• Safety will be improved through the installation of traffic signals at the junction of the Murchison and Bass Highways. The traffic lights will allow heavy vehicles to enter the Bass Highway more safely.
• Wider lanes, a cycle lane and a pedestrian pathway, will provide more room for vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians.
• Increased traffic flow through wider lanes will make it easier to keep traffic moving if there is a crash or vehicle breakdown on the bridge.
• The bridge will support economic growth by providing a quality freight and passenger transport corridor.
• A higher bridge reduces the risk of damage by floods providing a sustainable long-lasting structure with low maintenance needs.

New signals at Somerset now live - Tuesday 4 June 2024

The new traffic signals at the intersection of the Bass and Murchison highways in Somerset became operational on Tuesday, 4 June 2024.

The signals are the final element of the new Cam River Bridge project, after line marking at the intersection was completed in late May.

A final inspection will determine if the intersection works have been done to specification and all speed limit reductions can be removed, marking completion of the project.

All traffic has now switched onto the new bridge.

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 June 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.

What does this project involve?

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.

When will this work occur?

Work is scheduled to start in July 2022 and be completed in June 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.

Why is this project happening?

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.

Who is funding this project?

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.

Will Cam River Bridge be closed during construction?

The existing bridge will remain open until the new bridge is complete, when the existing bridge will be demolished.

What traffic changes will happen during construction?

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.

What traffic changes will happen when the project is complete?

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.

Will there be any impact on the existing pedestrian paths?

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.

What pedestrian changes will happen when the project is complete?

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.

Artist impression of the new Cam River Bridge:

Before

After

Before

After