Windang Bridge

DESCRIPTION

NameWindang BridgeTypeBridgeGeolocation^[1] Last edited by: Will Chittick

AddressShellharbour Road,WindangDescriptionBefore a bridge was built at Windang, people travelling between Wollongong and Shellharbour could only cross at low tide.

People requested a operational punt in 1926 but conditions at the lake entrance were not suitable.

In 1936 the building of a wooden bridge was begun over Lake Illawarra to connect the two shires. The bridge was officially opened 2nd April 1938. It was 1,050 feet long with a 12 foot clearance at high tide, a 20 foot carriageway and a five foot path. The bridge cost £43,600 to construct.

George McIver was the head builder. A crane was used to pick up huge logs and poles (40 foot long with a big concrete block about four to five feet high and three feet wide), and lift them into the air about 30 feet. The logs were then released and a pile driver hit the pole into the water, to make the footings.

The bridge builder lived in canvas tents painted with a little lime and cement while constructing the bridge. Workmen came from all over

The townspeople held a party when the bridge was finished, and everyone walked over the bridge. A corroboree was held near the Windang camping area.

On 22 December 1971 a new cement bridge was completed and opened for south side traffic access, and on 22 September 1972 the north side was opened providing a four lane carriageway over Lake Illawarra.

External LinkLake Illawarra South A Bridge Wanted 1935Lake Illawarra Bridge First Pile to be Driven on Friday 1936Bridge at Lake Illawarra First Pile Driven 1936Official Opening Lake Illawarra Bridge 1938New Bridge in UseProposed Bridge 1932Lake Illawarra Bridge Pile Driving Function at Windang 1936New Bridge Opened in Couth 1938Official Luncheon 1938

Locality

Lake Illawarra

Windang Bridge, Windang, c.1940.

CONNECTIONS

CollectionPlacesLocalityWindang

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Windang Bridge