Tasman Bridge: Encyclopedia II - Tasman Bridge - Disaster

Tasman Bridge - Disaster

On Sunday January 5, 1975, at 9:27pm, the Tasman Bridge was struck by the bulk ore carrier Lake Illawarra, bound for the Elecrolytic Zinc Company with a cargo of 10,000 tons of zinc concentrate (AusStats, 2002). It caused two pylons and three sections of concrete decking, totally 127 metres, to fall from the bridge and sink the ship. Seven of the ship's crewmen were killed, and five motorists died when four cars drove over the collapsed sections before the traffic was stopped. A major press shot showed a 3000km old Holden Monaro GTS, along with an older Holden stationwagon, perched balancing on the ledge.

The depth of the river at this point (35 metres) is such that the wreck of Lake Illawarra lies on the bottom, with concrete slab on top of it, without presenting a navigation hazard to smaller vessels.

The breakage of an important arterial link isolated the residents in Hobart’s eastern suburbs – the relatively short drive across the Tasman Bridge to the city suddenly became a 50 kilometre journey around the bay. Although ferries provided a service across the Derwent River, it was not until December 1975 that a single lane Bailey bridge was opened to traffic, thereby restoring some connectivity.

Reconstruction of the Tasman Bridge commenced in October 1975 and included the addition of a 5th lane. The bridge officially reopened on October 8, 1977.

Large vessels passing beneath the bridge must now do so slightly to the west of the original main navigation span. Personnel controlling ships (or harbour pilots) must be trained and then cleared for using the special laser lighthouse that indicates by colours whether the ship must be steered left or right to regain the centre line.

Adapted from the Wikipedia article "Disaster", under the G.N U Free Docmentation License. Please also see http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki