Tasman Bridge, Prestressed concrete road bridge in Hobart, Australia
Tasman Bridge is a prestressed concrete girder bridge over the River Derwent in Hobart, 1,396 metres long including approaches. Its deck runs in a gentle curve on paired rectangular piers, with a navigation span at a 60.5-metre apex. It carries five traffic lanes, including a reversible central lane, and grade-separated shared-use walkways on both sides.
Designed by Maunsell & Partners and built from 1960, the Tasman Bridge opened on 29 March 1965 as Australia's longest prestressed concrete bridge, replacing the lift-span Hobart Bridge. On 5 January 1975 the bulk ore carrier Lake Illawarra struck two piers, bringing down 127 metres of deck and killing twelve people. The bridge reopened on 8 October 1977 with a fifth, reversible lane.
The Tasman Bridge is not the only crossing in this part of Tasmania: the Bowen Bridge was later built to provide an alternative route. The wreck of the Lake Illawarra still lies beneath the bridge and can be dived with permission from the harbour authority. Since 2021, remotely programmable LED lights on the bridge have been used to mark local events and support causes.
Pedestrians can walk along the side paths and enjoy views over the river and city, while vehicle traffic uses the central lanes. Wind can be noticeable at this height, especially on cooler days.
Some of the bridge's supports extend more than 90 meters below the riverbed to anchor into solid rock. This hidden depth keeps the entire structure stable despite the weight and constant traffic passing overhead.
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