Doesn’t it seem like a forgotten sentinel from a bygone era stands before us? This is the Glebe Island Bridge. It is also known as the MacKenzie Street Bridge.
Today, the MacKenzie Street Bridge stands as a silent reminder of Sydney’s industrial past. It connects Rozelle to Pyrmont. It is a tangible link to a time when maritime transport and industry were the lifeblood of this city.
The Glebe Island Bridge is more than just steel and stone. Its story stretches back to the 19th century. This area needed better transport options. The first bridge here was a private toll bridge. It was completed in 1862. This timber structure had a small hand-cranked swing span. After thirty years, it needed extensive repairs. The Colonial Government bought it and planned a replacement.
The construction of the second bridge was part of a larger plan. It was the Five Bridges Route. This project aimed to improve traffic flow from the city to the northern and western suburbs. Bridges were built or replaced at Pyrmont Bay, Glebe Island, Iron Cove, Gladesville and Fig Tree.
The current MacKenzie Street Bridge is actually the third bridge on this site. Construction began in 1899. It finished in 1903. H. McKenzie and Sons built it. Lily See, daughter of Premier Sir John See, opened it. Percy Allan designed the Glebe Island Bridge. He also designed the Pyrmont Bridge.
The MacKenzie Street Bridge is a swing bridge. This design allowed large ships to pass through. During normal operation, the two 29.1-metre swing spans rotated about a central vertical axis. It was electrically operated. It was an early use of electrical power for this purpose in Australia. The bridges were innovative for their time. They attracted international attention.
The Glebe Island Bridge played a vital role in Sydney’s transport network. It operated from 1903 to 1995. The bridge was decommissioned after the Anzac Bridge opened. It remains in a permanently open position. No vehicles or pedestrians can access it today.
The MacKenzie Street Bridge has some unique features. It has a rare surviving operable mercury-arc rectifier. It also has some early silicon rectifiers. These were installed in 1960. This equipment is now rare outside of museums.
The MacKenzie Street Bridge is a State Heritage site. It is significant as one of the earliest examples of an electric-powered swing bridge in Australia. It also represents a significant technical achievement for its time. The bridge’s design showcased the pinnacle of 19th-century engineering and material technology.
The Glebe Island Bridge reminds us of Sydney’s past. Its heritage value continues to be recognized. There have been community efforts to restore the MacKenzie Street Bridge. Some propose reusing it to extend the Inner West Light Rail. The MacKenzie Street Bridge may once again serve the community.