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Opening of the Tasman BridgePrint Page 
The sculpture commemorates the opening of the Tasman Bridge in March 1965.
In the 1950s with the development of the Eastern shore, it was decided to build a larger bridge; the old Hobart Bridge faced increasing difficulty in managing the larger volumes of traffic that came with development, and constantly raising the lift span for shipping was disruptive. The total cost of the new bridge in conjunction with approach ramps and Lindisfarne Interchange was in the area of £7 million.
Construction commenced in May 1960 and the bridge was first opened to traffic (2 lanes only) on 18 August 1964. The bridge was completed with all four lanes operational on 23 December 1964. It was officially opened on 18 March 1965 by Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester. During peak construction a labour force of over 400 men was employed on site.
Location
| Address: | Domain Highway & Tasman Highway, Western End of Tasman Bridge, Hobart , 7000 |
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| State: | TAS |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -42.865717 Long: 147.335903 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Sculpture |
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| Monument Theme: | Technology |
| Sub-Theme: | Industry |
| Actual Event Start Date: | 29-March-1965 |
| Actual Event End Date: | 29-March-1965 |
Dedication
| Actual Monument Dedication Date: | Monday 29th March, 1965 |
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Plaque :
The Tasman Bridge
This tablet erected to commemorate the opening of Tasman Bridge was unveiled by His Royal Highness the Duke of Gloucester on 29th March, 1965
The Hon. E. E. Reece, M. H. A. Premier and Treasurer
The Hon. D. A. Cashion, M. H. A. Minister for Lands and Works
Plaque :
The Tasman Bridge
Construction Authority : Department of Public Works, Tasmania.
Consulting Engineers : G. Maunsell & Partners (London & Melbourne).
Contractor : Reed, Braithwaite, Stuart & Lipscombe, Salisbury, United Kingdom.
Principal statistics :
Overall Length - 4.650 ft.
Width between kerbs - 44 ft.
Maximum gradient - 1 in 18
Navigation span - 310 ft. overall and 240 ft. clear span.
Concrete - 145,000 tons.
Reinforcing steel - 5,200 tons.
Number of 54"dia. bored piles - 216.
Waterway width - 3,500 ft.
Overall Width - 57` 2
Main viaduct spans [ 19 ] - 140 ft.
Anchor Spans [ 2 ] - 197 ft.
Minimum clearance above M.S.L. for shipping - 150 ft.
Prestressing cables - 72½ miles.
Deepest pile - 265 ft. below M.S.L.
Construction commenced June, 1960.
Completed December, 1964.
Approach roads and Lindisfarne Traffic Interchange constructed by Public Works Department of Tasmania.
Director of Public Works - R. G. Sharp, Esq., B.E., A.M.I.C.E., A.M.I.E. Aust, M.A.P.I.
