On the 5^th January 1975 late at night, the link between the eastern and western shore of the Derwent River was broken.  It took 2 ½ years to rebuild. In the interim, residents of the eastern shore ferried across to Hobart city for work.  Last night a small gathering of people came together to remember that momentous occasion.  Read more at:

http://www.news.com.au/national/tasmania/tasman-bridge-collapse-remembered/story-fnn32rbc-1227175410862e

These days if a large ship is travelling upstream, traffic lights bring vehicles to a stop before they drive onto the Tasman Bridge. Bridge pedestrians are also alerted to stop and wait until a ship has passed before walking.  However, as I found one day when walking into Hobart city over the Bridge, the alert is not given soon enough for pedestrians and I was already on the Bridge when the cars were stopped. I recall walking to the highest point and looking down and watching the ship pass beneath. Safely.

Then there is remarkable story of the guy whose Monaro teetered over the edge of the broken bridge.  He stills drives the car. You can see pictures and learn more at http://www.news.com.au/national/tasmania/historic-monaro-out-from-under-wraps-for-anniversary-of-tasman-bridge-disaster/story-fnn32rbc-1227174793722