F76/] 04
Jj) AUS T P. ALA
PRIME MINISTER
FOR PRESS 1 JUNE 1976
DERWENT BRIDGE STUDY
Detailed investigation of the river bed is under way
for the permanent bridge across the Derwent from
Dowsing Point.
In a joint statement today the Premier Mr Neilson, and
the Prime Minister, Mr Fraser, said that the first progress
report covering the period up to 3] March ] 976 had been
received from the Joint Committee on the Second Hobart
Bridge established by the Commonwealth and State Governme-. ts.
The Report indicated that the investigatory drilling
programme began on March 9. The first stage was intended
to cover the total length of the proposed bridge. It
should be complete within four months.
A barge mounted drilling rig was supplied and operated
by the Mines Department while the Public Works Department
was providing direct supervision of the field work and
all laboratory testing of the material encountered.
Good progress had been made with preparatory work for the
second permanent crossing since the Joint Committee was
set up to arrange and co-ordinate investigation and desic-f: r
the bridge and its road approaches.
The firm of Maunsell and Partners had been appointed Cons-! t-=
Engineers for the design of the bridge and related invest--Z---
and studies. Eight alternative design concepts were bein=
appraised for the new bridge which would cross the Derwen-
. just north of the present temporary bridge.
Mr Neilson and Mr Fraser said further drilling would fol:: athe
present initial investigations to provide enough
information at each pier and abutment location to enable
all foundations to be designed with confidence as to founi'-
level and foundation conditions.
An investigation of velocities and directions of river cur_=.
at various depths near the proposed crossing had been starc
by the Hydro-Electric Commission. This information would
necessary for the study of pier protection. / 2
S A tentative programme for the investigations, studies
and design of the Bridge indicated that design and
documentation to the stage where tenders could be called
would be achieved in the second half of next year.
Four closely related studies concerned with the impact of
a second permanent crossing in Hobart had begun and
should be available to the Joint Committee within four
months. The consulting firm of Atkins Meinhardt was
conducting a study of river transport as it might affect
the design of the Bridge.
The development impact would be assessed by Nicholas
Clark and Associates, while P. G. Pak Poy and Associates
would report on traffic impact.
Mr Neilson and Mr Fraser said an important issue was the
effect of the Bridge on the natural environment and the
local community. The firm of M. S. T. Keys-Young would
investigate this matter.
It was possible the new Bridge would offer an alternative
route into Hobart for the national highway from northern
Tasmania and the Commonwealth Bureau of Roads had been
co. nissioned by the Commonwealth Minister for Transport
( M: r Nixon) to carry out a study of the optional corridors.
The Public Works Deoartment was co-ordinating all the
investigations and studies and also was carrying out plannnand
design of the road approach system and its connections
into the Glenorchy atea.
Mr Neilson and Mr Fraser said that close liaison was
necessary between the various consultants and a number
of local councils and other authorities. Arrangements
were being zade to ensure that the attitude and opinions
of all authorities and the public were obtained and
carefully considered.
The Joint-Ccmmittee's Reports on all investigations
were expected to fully cover the consequences of the decision
to build a new Bridge and the findings should be of
great benefit to planning development in the Hobart area.
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