1987: Harbour Bridge Toll rises to $1

Source: NSW Department of Main Roads. 1987. "A dollar well-spent" (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, May 30: 19. 

In April 1987, the NSW State Government passed the Sydney Harbour Tunnel (Private Joint Venture) Act 1987 which gave formal approval for the construction of the Sydney Harbour Tunnel. 

Source: Armstrong, D. 1987. "Bridge toll $1 from end of May". The Daily Telegraph, April 28: 7. 

While the Sydney Harbour Tunnel would be tolled, the decision was made that month to increase the toll on the Sydney Harbour Bridge from 20 cents to $1, to aid in funding the cost of construction. The increase would commence on May 31 1987. 

20 cent tolls

Between 1960 and 1970, motorists using the bridge paid a 10 cent toll each way (1 shilling prior to introduction of decimal currency in 1966). For those commuting in both directions, it would total 20 cents per day.

In 1970, the northbound toll was abolished to improve northbound traffic flow and the southbound toll was doubled to 20 cents to compensate for the loss of revenue (Click here to read more about it). 

Therefore for the average commuter, the toll increase in 1987 would be the first increase to the toll since 1960.

How big was the increase?

The increase in the toll was 80 cents, but this represented a 500% increase. The commuter would now pay what was one week of toll payments in one day or five weeks of toll payments during the working week. 

Adjusted for inflation (RBA Inflation Calculator), motorists were paying the equivalent of 58 cents in today's money for a 20-cent toll. The increase to $1 would equate to paying $2.90 today which for many commuters is cheaper than current tolls  ($4.27 in peak periods, $3.20 off-peak and $2.67 for overnight travel).

Toll Collectors Strike

Toll Collectors went on strike on the weekend of May 30 and May 31 1987, delaying the toll increase by one day. They refused a pay increase of 4%, arguing for even higher wages as they felt that they would be at increased risk of abuse from angry motorists and also robberies.

Source: Aubin, T. 1987. "The toll 1987: bricks and hot coins". The Sydney Morning Herald, June 1: 1. 

The Reaction

Given the massive increase in the toll, this was not well received. For some, they responded by refusing to pay the toll, even though they faced fines of $50.

Warnings were given to drivers.

Source, Armstrong, D. 1987. "Big bills planned for toll evaders". The Daily Telegraph, April 29: 7. 

On day one, traffic volumes during the morning peak hour decreased by nine percent. 44 drivers refused to pay the toll while 14 paid for their tolls using 1 and 2 cent coins only. The general mood to the incerase was not positive

 

Source: Grimshaw, P. 1987. "$1 toll slices bridge traffic". The Daily Telegraph, June 2: 4. 

The toll dodgers and those who opted for payment solely in 1 and 2 cent coins were confronted by the toll collectors and police.

Source: Aubin, T & Coultan, M. 1987. "Drivers for who the $1 tolls". The Sydney Morning Herald, June 2: 1. 

There was one backflip with the increase in tolls - 230 incapacitated service-men were exempt from paying the 20 cent tolls, but were required under the toll increase to pay the toll as with all other drivers. This was cancelled and they could continue to drive for free.

Source: Thomas, C. 1987. "Brereton does a U-turn for angry old diggers." The Sydney Morning Herald, June 1: 5.

MILESTONE: Alfords Point Bridge turns 50 (1973) - Opening

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

MILESTONE: Alfords Point Bridge turns 50 (1973) - Proposals and construction

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.

Source: Anon. 1972. "Second bridge will speed Menai's traffic". The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, July 12: 15. 

Finally, a photo feature from early 1973 which was published in The Daily Telegraph.

 

Source: Anon. 1973. "Forging a new link...". The Daily Telegraph, February 8: 24.