Ever wonder how a bridge gets its name? The story of Lynch Barkley Bridge is quite remarkable. It blends tragedy, heroism, and a community’s long-held desire to remember.
Lynch Barkley Bridge stands here connecting Smithfield Road in Flemington to Ballarat Road in Footscray. But this wasn’t always the smooth thoroughfare you see today. Let’s journey back in time to uncover its layered past.
Once upon a time in 1849, this crossing point was merely a punt operated by Michael Lynch. He owned the nearby Pioneer Hotel. He saw an opportunity to help those traveling west across the Maribyrnong River. For years, travelers relied on Lynch’s punt to make their way. In 1863, Lynch sought permission to replace his punt with a pontoon bridge. He requested land for the bridge’s abutments. After debates, permission was granted. By Melbourne Cup Day in 1864, Lynch’s new bridge was open for business.
Local residents found the toll gate annoying. However, Lynch highlighted the bridge’s benefits. He told sheep and cattle owners that they only needed to pay a single toll. This was only if they were headed to the yards on the opposite bank. Finally, in 1882, the Footscray Council abolished the toll.
But the story of Lynch’s Bridge doesn’t end there. In 1901, the bridge was closed due to disrepair. A temporary pontoon bridge was erected by a Mr. J Byers. A small toll of one penny was charged to cross it. A new timber bridge opened in May 1903. It even had a lifting span in the middle. This sometimes caused delays for river traffic.
Fast forward to September 1929. Sound familiar? Lynch’s Bridge closed again. It was deemed unsafe. Temporary repairs allowed it to reopen after three weeks. The 1936 Lynch’s Bridge was built on a different angle. This allowed Ballarat Road to be realigned. The Footscray Council suggested naming it “Gent’s Bridge”. But the name didn’t stick.
Now, let’s jump to a more recent chapter. By 1989, Lynch’s Bridge was handling 43000 vehicles daily. Sadly, it became known as an accident blackspot. From 1985 to 1988, 79 incidents occurred, including 16 head-on collisions and nine deaths. A coronial inquest investigated these fatalities. Excessive speed was identified as a major cause.
In 1992, a duplicate bridge was completed. This finally addressed the safety concerns. The original 1936 bridge was then dedicated to westbound traffic.
But there is even more to the Lynch Barkley Bridge story. The name “Lynch Barkley Bridge” is not just a historical marker. It’s a tribute to two young pilots. Flying Officer Samuel Roy Barkley and Navy Sub-Lieutenant Michael Lynch tragically died in 1967. Their Vampire jet crashed near this site. They heroically steered the failing jet into a paddock, saving countless lives.
So, as you cross Lynch Barkley Bridge, remember its past. Think of Michael Lynch. Think about the two young pilots. Consider the countless journeys that have taken place here. It’s more than just a crossing. It’s a story etched in steel and concrete.