Iconic Gorge bridge set for overhaul

Published on 02 August 2024

The City of Launceston will this weekend advertise a tender for the second stage of refurbishment works for the iconic Alexandra suspension bridge at the Cataract Gorge Reserve.

Mayor Matthew Garwood said the bridge was first constructed in 1904 and was actually washed away in the 1929 floods before being rebuilt.

"The Alexandra suspension bridge is an icon of the Cataract Gorge," Mayor Garwood said.

"We know the current deck structure dates from 1931 when the bridge was rebuilt using the original towers and cables. "While the bridge has carried hundreds of thousands of visitors over the past 90 years, such a well-loved piece of infrastructure is now in need of some TLC."

City of Launceston Design and Construction Project Manager Karen Heathcote said a key priority for the project would be to minimise the closure period and any disruptions to the community and local businesses.

"We'll be working with the successful contractor to minimise any disruptions, and doing our best to avoid works during the peak summer visitor season," Ms Heathcote said.

"Once complete, the Alexandra suspension bridge will be fully restored in accordance with heritage restoration and preservation processes, ensuring its use for another 100 years."