This gracious long-span bridge across the Derwent River estuary was opened on August 17, 1964. It links the city centre to the eastern suburbs and all points on the north-east Coast. Being the only direct connection between the city centre and Hobart Airport, a drive across the bridge enables the visitor to glance up the beautiful river and down towards the sea. In 1975 a ship rammed the bridge causing its collapse and the loss of 12 lives. Ferries carried commuters until the bridge was rebuilt.