Old Hornibrook Bridge Yes

“What’s left of the Old Hornibrook Bridge?” I ask, looking at the grand, art deco entranceway. This is the south portal. The bridge itself is long gone. It was demolished in 2010 because the old bridge was no longer needed, as there were newer bridges that could carry both cars and pedestrians. It was once the first of its kind in Queensland. The Old Hornibrook Bridge was a private toll bridge. It was built in 1932 by Manuel Hornibrook. He was a visionary. He saw that the residents of the Redcliffe Peninsula needed a way to connect to Brisbane. You can see that this structure was built with a lot of care and attention to detail. The decorative elements are simply stunning. The Old Hornibrook Bridge was more than just a bridge. It was a symbol of hope. It was a symbol of progress. And it was a symbol of Manuel Hornibrook’s vision. The only remaining vestige of this magnificent construction is these portals. Now, picture this: It’s the 1930s. The Great Depression has hit. Unemployment is high, people are struggling. And then, this massive bridge opens. It’s a symbol of hope. A symbol of the future. And it changes everything. It connects Redcliffe to Brisbane. It makes it easier for people to work, shop, and visit. It changes the whole economy. It makes us appreciate even more the fact that this is a significant part of our history. And so, the Old Hornibrook Bridge remains a testament to the strength of a community. Despite the challenges of those times, it was built, and it served as a bridge for the people of this area. You might have seen the new bridge on the other side of the bay. It carries more cars and people. It’s faster. But the Old Hornibrook Bridge had a special significance: It was the bridge that started it all, and we still see it today.