The Meccano Set

Driving through Sydney’s bustling traffic, have you ever noticed a peculiar structure resembling a giant erector set? That, my friends, is The Meccano Set. The Meccano Set isn’t a playground for giants. It’s actually a massive overhead gantry above a busy intersection where the Hume Highway, Henry Lawson Drive, and Woodville Road meet in Lansdowne. Erected in December 1962 by the Department of Main Roads, this structure quickly earned its nickname due to its resemblance to the popular children’s construction toy, Meccano. Originally, this intersection was a vital link for traffic flowing between Brisbane and Melbourne. Even though the Cumberland Highway took over that role in 1988, The Meccano Set remains a crucial junction. It has become a local landmark. The Meccano Set even has its own Wikipedia page. In early 2019, the original Meccano Set was showing its age. Rust and peeling paint were becoming evident on the 25-ton structure. Despite its age, investigations showed the steel beams were still structurally sound. However, an upgrade was necessary. The Roads and Maritime Services listened to the community. An overwhelming 90% wanted the original design preserved. So, a new, identical pre-fabricated version was built and installed in June 2019. Not only was the steel structure replaced, but the traffic signals also received a modern upgrade. The old incandescent bulbs, consuming a hefty 150 watts of power, were replaced with energy-efficient LEDs. The new BRAUMS Traffic Signal Lanterns, fitted to the new Meccano Set beams, use a remarkable 175% less power. This upgrade helps this iconic intersection keep pace with the modern world.