Jim Affleck Bridge

Tragedy struck the Jim Affleck Bridge on a seemingly ordinary morning. This bridge, a quiet sentinel over the Hume Highway at Menangle Park, bears a name etched in sorrow and courage. It commemorates Senior Constable James “Jim” Affleck, a dedicated highway patrol officer whose life was tragically cut short in 2001. Jim Affleck, born in 1957, served the NSW Police Force for over two decades. He was known for his professionalism and dedication. He even received a national police medal in 1995. On that fateful January morning, Jim Affleck was attempting to stop a stolen vehicle during a high-speed pursuit near Mittagong. He deployed road spikes near the Mark Evans Bridge at Glen Alpine. The driver, in a desperate attempt to escape, swerved violently, striking Jim Affleck and killing him instantly. The Jim Affleck Bridge stands not only as a testament to his sacrifice but also as a somber reminder of the risks faced by law enforcement officers. The driver was later apprehended and charged with murder, eventually receiving a 16-year sentence. But the true weight of the sentence rests on the heart of this bridge. Every time someone crosses the Jim Affleck Bridge, they unknowingly participate in a quiet act of remembrance. They cross a path paved with bravery and sacrifice. They cross a bridge that whispers a story of a life dedicated to protecting the community.