Odds on that most folk have been over this short, slow span!
The Bridges of
Port Augusta 12June20.
Before the construction of this
bridge, the only short way to cross the gulf was by ferryboats and barges. The much longer overland route involved a journey of approximately 24 km via Yorkey Crossing.
A
bridge was proposed in 1926
Atkins and Finlayson won the contract for the job. The stone used at each end of the
bridge was obtained from the
ruins of the hotel at Saltia in the
Pichi Richi Pass.
The
bridge was opened by the Minister for Local Government on 6 July 1927 and was named The Great Western
Bridge.
In 1966 plans were announced for a new
bridge to be built.
The new
Bridge was opened in 1972.
In 2012 the
Bridge was named the Joy Baluch
bridge after the long serving and popular Mayor.
Bridge duplication project.........
As of March 2020, The
bridge is being duplicated by adding a second two-lane
bridge immediately north of the original
bridge. This is expected to be completed in 2022.
The new
Bridge was opened in 1972.
In 2012 the
Bridge was named the Joy Baluch
bridge after the long serving and popular Mayor.
Bridge duplication
As of March 2020, The
bridge is being duplicated by adding a second two-lane
bridge immediately north of the original
bridge. This is expected to be completed in 2022.
Great Western Bridge in fore ground
The Bridges
Port Augusta
Great Western c1937 SLSA