Glimmering in the sunlight, the Ryde Bridge stands as a testament to Sydney’s evolving transport history. Let’s delve into the story of this vital Parramatta River crossing. The Ryde Bridge actually comprises two bridges. There is a heritage-listed steel Pratt truss bridge and a reinforced concrete fixed-span bridge.
The original Ryde Bridge, also known as Uhrs Point Bridge, was opened on 7 December 1935. Premier Bertram Stevens and the Mayor of Ryde officiated at the opening ceremony. This bridge was a lift bridge. It allowed shipping to access the State Timber Yard. The yard was located on the Parramatta River’s southern bank. It sat just west of the Ryde Bridge.
Interestingly, the lifting mechanism was removed in the late 20th century. The bridge hasn’t been opened since. Ryde Council paid for the original bridge with a grant from the New South Wales Government. Tolls were collected for 13 years until the bridge was paid off. In 1948, ownership transferred to the Department of Main Roads.
Fast forward to 1987. A new Ryde Bridge was constructed on the eastern side. It was downstream of the original. This second bridge uses steel trough girders. These are topped with a composite concrete running deck. Premier Nick Greiner and Federal Minister For Transport Ralph Willis officially opened it on 25 November 1988. Today, the original 1935 bridge carries northbound traffic. The 1987 bridge handles southbound traffic.
Before the Ryde Bridge existed, a vehicular punt crossed the Parramatta River. It operated downstream from the Meadowbank Railway Bridge. The southern ramp of the punt remains. It is near the railway bridge’s southern end. However, the northern ramp is now covered by the Meadowbank ferry wharf.
Ryde Bridge is rare. It is the only lift span bridge on Sydney Harbour and its tributaries. Even though the lift mechanism is gone. The Ryde Bridge is also a relatively rare example of a steel truss bridge with a lift span in NSW. By the early 1950s, bascule spans became the preferred option. Vertical lift span bridges like the Ryde Bridge were no longer designed and built.
The Ryde Bridge has local historical significance. It sits at an important crossing point on the Parramatta River. This point between Ryde and Rhodes was one of the narrowest on the river. Ryde Council initiated the Ryde Bridge’s construction to encourage suburban development. Since then, the Ryde Bridge has provided a crucial transportation route. It helps outer suburbs in Ryde and Hornsby access Sydney by car.
Did you know that the Hexham Bridge is similar? It spans the Hunter River and sits 125 kilometres northeast of Sydney. It shares the Ryde Bridge’s 1935 Pratt truss design. The Ryde Bridge is more than just a structure. It is a symbol of connection, progress and local history. As we move on, remember the Ryde Bridge. Remember its role in shaping Sydney’s landscape.