KEY elements of the $750m Bridgewater Bridge project surged forward this past week, with a major change to traffic flow systems at the tail end of the Brooker Highway in Granton.

But at the same time, a full opening of the new Derwent crossing has been postponed by six months.

The State Government had originally planned for one-lane-each-way traffic on the new bridge at the end of 2024, but has now opted for a full opening in mid-2025.   

On the ground, construction work continues briskly.

From 7pm last Sunday till 5am Monday crews worked to configure an entirely new road interchange at Granton.

A new –  temporary – roundabout separates traffic, routing it north to the Lyell Highway and east to the Midland Highway.

As part of the shift, traffic on Main Road Austins Ferry is being directed along George St, and a section of Black Snake Rd will be closed.

The reconfiguration is designed to free up sections of the new highway corridor so that construction crews can safely complete the civil works needed for a permanent arrangement.

The task is made complex as this is the precise point at which the Midland, Lyell and Brooker Highways meet.

Meanwhile, instead of opening the bridge to one lane of traffic in each direction at reduced speed by the end of 2024, the new plan is to open all four lanes in mid-2025.

Infrastructure and Transport Minister Michael Ferguson, said major construction had gained momentum after the completion of the temporary bridge.

“This is allowing work to continue without unduly affecting road traffic,” he said. “The original construction schedule remains on time to be completed in mid-2025.

“Project management have advised  they can complete the job more efficiently, with less risk to worker safety and open to all four lanes of traffic at 80km/h within the overall due date,” he said.