Glebe Island Bridge, Heritage swing bridge in Pyrmont, Australia
Glebe Island Bridge crosses Johnstons Bay with an Allan truss steel design that measures 633 meters in total length. The structure features steel girders resting on massive piers that give it its distinctive appearance.
The current structure was built between 1899 and 1903, replacing an earlier timber beam bridge with a hand-cranked swing span from 1862. This transformation allowed it to carry heavier loads and accommodate modern vessel traffic.
The bridge reflects the heritage of worker ships and harbor traffic that shaped the neighborhood. Today it stands as a visible reminder of how these waterways once mattered to the city.
The bridge has remained in a permanently open position since 1995, which means it is accessible for pedestrians and cyclists who wish to explore the site. The best way to view it is from the shores of the bay, where you can see details of its construction.
The swing mechanism operates on a foundation of concrete caps and timber piles lying underwater, representing an unusual engineering solution. This hidden structural base is rarely visible but makes the operation of the historic mechanism possible.
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