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25th Anniversary of the Tasman Bridge DisasterPrint Page Print this page

19-October-2013
19-October-2013

Photographs supplied by Arthur Garland

The plaque commemorates the 25th anniversary of the Tasman Bridge disaster and is in memory of those who died. 

The Tasman Bridge was open to traffic in August 1964. It was a four-lane, high level concrete bridge constructed with a central navigation span for shipping. Prior to 1964, a floating bridge spanned the Derwent.

On Sunday, 5 January 1975 at 9.27 p.m. the bulk carrier Lake Illawarra collided with the Tasman Bridge. Two piers collapsed along with 127 metres of bridge decking. Four cars ran over the gap into the Derwent River, five occupants died while several others managed to escape from two vehicles which teetered on the edge of the gap. Seven crewmen from the Lake Illawarra also lost their lives. The impact of the bridge collapse was quickly felt as Hobart was suddenly cut in two. Eastern shore residents were severely compromised, transport facilities were tested and to compound the issue further, most hospitals, schools, businesses and government offices were located on the western shore.

Location

Address:Rosny Bay Esplanade, Unnamed Road, Base of main pier, Tasman Bridge Eastern bank, Montagu Bay, 7018
State:TAS
Area:AUS
GPS Coordinates:Lat: -42.864047
Long: 147.350192
Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate.
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Details

Monument Type:Plaque
Monument Theme:Disaster
Sub-Theme:Land Transport
Actual Event Start Date:05-January-1975
Actual Event End Date:05-January-1975

Dedication

Actual Monument Dedication Date:Wednesday 5th January, 2000
Front Inscription

TASMAN BRIDGE

In memory of those who died
In recognition of those who were affected
In acknowledgement of those who assisted

The Tasmanian Community remembers the
Tasman Bridge disaster of 5th January 1975.

This plaque was unveiled on the 
25th Anniversary of the tragedy 
               by 
His Excellency The Honourable
Sir Guy Green AC KBE  
Governor of Tasmania

Source: MA
Monument details supplied by Monument Australia - www.monumentaustralia.org.au