Perth's Narrows Bridge celebrates 50 years

Today marks a major milestone in the history of Perth's Narrows Bridge.

Transport Minister Simon O'Brien said the bridge was officially opened exactly 50 years ago by then Western Australian Governor, Sir Charles Gairdner.

Speaking at the anniversary celebrations, Mr O'Brien said since its opening in 1959, the Narrows Bridge had become an important link in WA's transport network.

"Initially, the original six-lane structure was intended to carry about 6,000 vehicles per hour in each direction," he said. It has played a much-more vital role over time, ferrying traffic to and from the city.

"In 1974, more than 77,500 vehicles were using the bridge every day. This doubled to more than 155,000 in 1998, making it the busiest piece of freeway in the nation.

"The latest figures show the bridge carries almost 180,000 vehicles every day."

The Minister said the idea for a bridge where the Swan River narrowed at South Perth was initially mooted in the mid-1800s, although several attempts during the next century to bring it to fruition were thwarted.

The first serious proposal was considered in 1899, but the estimated cost of 13,000 pounds caused public outrage and the plan was shelved. Two years later, the Public Works Department prepared a sketch plan for a 900-foot timber bridge with central swing spans, but again it did not proceed.

Between 1947 and 1953, Main Roads began preparations for a Narrows Bridge, but construction was postponed in favour of the new Causeway bridges.

"When surveys in 1954 revealed Causeway traffic had more than doubled in five years, Main Roads resurrected the concept of a Narrows Bridge," Mr O'Brien said.

"In 1956, Cabinet approved a design suitable for the attractive site and tenders were called for the construction."

Measuring 396.5m with five spans, the longest span being 98m, the original Narrows Bridge made history as the largest precast, prestressed concrete bridge in the world.

The construction project included 5.4km of the Kwinana Freeway from the Narrows to Canning Highway, bringing the total cost to 3.5 million pounds ($7million).

The Minister said with Perth continuing to experience rapid growth, $70million was allocated to duplicate the Narrows Bridge in 1988.

The second bridge - opened on February 25, 2001 - increased the number of traffic lanes from seven to 10 and formed part of a $230million upgrade of the Kwinana Freeway and its extension to Safety Bay.

Two years ago the Narrows rail bridge was also commissioned as part of the Perth to Mandurah railway service.