Last week, I posted an entry relating to the construction of the Alfords Point Bridge. This week will focus on the opening of the bridge in 1973.
By February 1973, the span of the bridge had been built, and it was anticipated that the bridge would be open to traffic in June of that year. The photo below was taken at the northern approach to the bridge at Padstow Heights, looking south. Note the footings already in place for the future duplication of the bridge in 2008.
Source: Anon. 1973. "A $5 million bridge". The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, February 28: 5.
It was announced in June that the bridge would open in September. The Lugarno Ferry, which operated downstream linking Lugarno and Illawong, would continue for "some time", before running its last service the following year.
Source: Anon. 1973. "New bridge to open soon". The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, August 1: 11.
On 7 September 1973, the Alfords Point Bridge was officially opened to traffic by NSW Premier Sir Robert Askin. 2000 people were reported to have attended the opening ceremony, which included an opportunity for the public to walk across the bridge before opening to traffic. The final cost of construction was approximately $5 million.
Below is coverage from The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader from September 12 1973.
Source: Anon. 1973. "Road snarl ease: Bridge skirts trouble sports". The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, September 12: 1.
The bridge, when opened, initially carried two lanes of traffic (1 lane each way). This was increased to three lanes with a tidal flow arrangement in place.
Duplication of the bridge occurred in the 2000s. Construction of the new bridge commenced in 2007 and was opened to traffic in 2008. The original bridge reverted to two lanes and carried northbound traffic only, while the new bridge carries two lanes of southbound traffic.
Related Entry
MILESTONE: Alfords Point Bridge turns 50 (1973) - Proposals and construction
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