This year, Alfords Point Bridge turns 50. The three-lane bridge was opened to traffic on 7 September 1973, while the second bridge was opened to traffic as part of its duplication in 2008.
Next week will focus on its opening, but this week, I will share some newspaper features relating to planning and construction.
The St George and Sutherland Leader in 1961 reported that Menai residents were prepared to fund the construction of a bridge at Lugarno to link the then semi-rural suburb with the rest of Sydney.
Source: Anon. 1961. "Menai folk suggest levy for bridge". The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, November 16: 14.
In 1966, it was reported in The Sydney Morning Herald that the government intended to build a new bridge between Padstow Heights and Alfords Point. The location on the Georges River was selected because it was regarded as located halfway between the Milperra Bridge and Tom Ugly's Bridge. It was intended that contracts would be issued by mid-1968.
Source: Anon. "New bridge promised". The Sydney Morning Herald, October 7: 6.
At the end of 1969, it was announced that tenders would be called to build the new bridge as it was deemed a "high priority" in the Department of Main Roads building program. Apart from providing a third bridge to connect the Sutherland Shire with the St George region, it was to be built as part of a "bypass" or arterial road that would connect Heathcote and Hornsby (known today as the A6).
Source: Anon. 1969. "Bridge will connect by-pass". The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, December 3: 1.
By February 1970, it was announced that work would start "almost immediately". In November 1970, it was announced that John Holland was the successful tender to build the bridge at an estimated $2.3 million, with a projected completion date of mid-1973.
Source: Anon. 1970. "Fast north-south: Early Start For Flyover". The St George and Sutherland Shire, February 25: 1.
Below is an article from The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader reporting on the progress of construction in 1972.
Source: Anon. 1972. "Vital North-South Link Stays on Schedule". The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, February 9: 18.
A progress report from July 1972 (below) contains a photo on construction of the bridge plus the announcement that John Holland was also to build the bridge connecting the bridge with Davies Street, Padstow.
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