Beneath our feet lies a marker to an engineering marvel. This is the Long Gully Bridge Plaque. It commemorates a bridge with a fascinating past. Let me tell you its story.
The Long Gully Bridge was originally known as the Northbridge or Suspension Bridge. It also went by Cammeray Bridge. Its purpose was simple. It was privately built to boost residential development in Northbridge. Imagine the land boom of the 1880s. Land north of Long Bay, Middle Harbour, was being sold rapidly. The North Sydney Investment and Tramway Company saw an opportunity. They planned a tramway and a bridge across Long Bay gully. This would open the area for residential land sales.
The Suspension Bridge opened in January 1892. It took two years and nine months to build. The cost was A£42,000. That was a significant sum back then. With a 152-metre suspension span, it was an engineering wonder. The Long Gully Bridge became a major tourist attraction. People came from far and wide to see it.
Initially, a toll was charged to cross the bridge. Adults paid threepence return. Children paid one penny. However, disaster struck in 1892. Both the North Sydney Investment and Tramway Company went into liquidation. The Long Gully Bridge suffered from poor maintenance.
In 1912, the bridge was gifted to the NSW Government. The condition was that a tramway would be extended to the north side. Also, no toll could be charged. The tramway extension happened in 1913-14. Its terminus was in Sailors Bay Road.
By 1935, the Department of Main Roads took control. Inspections revealed serious corrosion in the steelwork and cables. The bridge needed either replacement or substantial rebuilding. The decision was made to build a large concrete arch span. It would support the deck of the old suspension bridge. The sandstone towers were in good condition. They were retained due to their historical value. They served as landmarks.
The Long Gully Bridge closed in May 1936. Construction began in June 1937. The new arch was designed and tested through models. Hornibrook Bros. & Clark Pty. Ltd. won the construction contract. The bridge reopened in late 1939. The Long Gully Bridge had a 105-metre main span. The arch consisted of two concrete ribs. They peaked 51 metres above the stream. Columns supported the deck on 14 reinforced concrete beam slab spans. The concrete detailing reflected the Gothic sandstone towers.
Modifications have been made over the years. The suspension system was replaced by a concrete arch in 1937-39. Floodlighting was installed in 1992. Safety fencing was added in 2010.
The Long Gully Bridge is historically significant. It facilitated residential development in the late 19th century. The concrete arch represents an era in bridge building. The design was sensitive to heritage values. It ensured that the landmark features were retained.
The Historic Bridges of New South Wales plaque commemorates the nation’s bicentenary in 1988. It celebrates the 200th anniversary of the First Fleet’s arrival in Sydney in 1788. The Australian Bicentennial Authority planned and funded projects. These projects emphasized the nation’s cultural heritage.
So, as you stand here at the Long Gully Bridge Plaque, remember the vision, the engineering challenges, and the enduring legacy of this iconic structure. It is a testament to Sydney’s history. It connects not just suburbs but also the past and present.