Its Time to Build a Bridge to Tasmania

Tassie Bridge

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Ok it’s time we looked at building a bridge from Tasmania to the Australian mainland in Victoria.
As I see it there are 3 possible routes that the bridge could take:

  • North West Tasmania via King Island to Apollo Bay
  • North East Tasmania via Flinders Island to Wilsons Promontory
  • Devonport directly to Wilsons Promontory

There are obviously pros and cons to each route but that could be examined further as the project
progresses. I can hear the screams now ‘how much is that going to cost’ yes it will be expensive
but as I see it the end result will be worth it. Especially at the moment with the current government
splashing out lots of cash for infrastructure.

Under the constitution it states that no barriers should exist between the States with regard
to trade this bridge would assist with the removal of current barriers. Together with the fact
that Bass Strait is regarded as part of the national highway system.

The advantages of the project will be many. I have listed a few below:

  • Freight transport will no longer have to rely on shipping or air.
  • Time restrictions on when you can travel will not exist.
  • Friends and family will be able to drive and visit loved ones
    more often and not just wait until they can afford the fares.
  • Visitors from Victoria will be a huge boost to Tasmania’s tourism.
  • Victorians will be able to visit Tasmania easily.
  • Caravans and motor-homes will be able to travel easily between
    Tasmania and the mainland.
  • Infrastructure items such as power and telecommunications could
    utilise the facility.
  • Tasmania would no longer be cut off from the rest of the country.
  • Employment during the construction phase and ongoing maintenance.
  • Bass Strait islands such as Flinders Island (depending on the route selected)
    would no longer have to rely on shipping.

There are already long bridges in the world such as the the Danyang-Kunshan
Grand Bridge, which is on the Jinghu High-Speed Railway  is 164 km (102 miles)
long.

The main disadvantage as I see it would be the initial cost although that could
be offset with a modest toll on vehicles. The weather at times may also be a
deterrent although that could be monitored and the bridge closed if there were
particularly dangerous conditions.

Overall I think its time to start thinking about this project and getting it underway.

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About the Author
Philip Rickwood is a Social Media Enthusiast
from Devonport in Tasmania with over 90k
Twitter followers at @afhitcom
philrickwood.com