Inspection Underway On Glebe Island Bridge, But Future Still Unclear

The swinging Glebe Island Bridge has sat deteriorating for decades, and now Transport for NSW is undertaking “investigation work” to ascertain its condition.

Prior to the ANZAC Bridge opening in 1995, the heritage-listed structure carried vehicular traffic on the busy corridor between the Inner West and the city centre through Pyrmont. It now sits dilapidated and open, allowing vessels to pass.

Once a necessary part of Sydneysiders’ daily commutes, its future has become uncertain. 

Nearby, the Pyrmont Bridge provides a stark contrast. The swinging sister of the Glebe Island Bridge remains operational and in good nick, usually carrying pedestrians but opening when the passage of vessels through Darling Harbour requires it.

Bridge has “significantly deteriorated”

Transport for NSW told the City Hub that it is ”undertaking investigation work on and around Glebe Island Bridge as part of its long-term management.” This is taking place from 8 October to 28 October between 7am and 6pm on weekdays.

“The bridge is significantly deteriorated due to its age, structural materials, and the corrosive nature of being in the water.”  

As such, the agency “will be inspecting components of Glebe Island Bridge, both approach embankments and spans of the bridge, as well as the road bridge over James Craig Road.”

“Transport for NSW does not anticipate negative impacts to community and maritime stakeholders during this time.”

Local MP hopeful for restoration

Kobi Shetty represents Balmain in the Legislative Assembly. She said that it is “great to finally see the Government taking a step toward securing the future of Glebe Island Bridge after years of inaction.”

Shetty wants to see the historic structure reopened for pedestrians.

“These investigative works are a small but important step to see what needs to be done to get the bridge moving again, and they must lead to a firm commitment to restore and reopen the bridge for walking and cycling.” 

“The Glebe Island Bridge is a missing link that would transform how people move between Rozelle and Pyrmont. A restored bridge would provide a safe, scenic and sustainable alternative to sitting in traffic – making it easier for people to walk or ride into the city and connecting that important part of the harbour foreshore with all the development on the way.”

Earlier this year, her office launched a petition to reopen the bridge. “Locals are tired of waiting and want to see action, not more delays or excuses,” the Greens MP said.

“The Government needs to prioritise this project now, not leave our community waiting until 2030.”

Lord Mayor of Sydney Clover Moore echoed this call. “The City of Sydney has long advocated for the restoration of the Glebe Island Bridge as a direct walking and cycling link between Bays West and central Sydney.”

“This would unlock local connections to open space, community facilities and future schools on both sides of the bridge.”

Ideas for reuse abound

In addition to ongoing calls for its reuse as a pedestrian thoroughfare, other ideas have been floated.

A cost–benefit analysis prepared for the state government in 2013 assessed options including minimal repairs for the safety of vessels, restoring two road lanes, varying degrees of demolition and its replacement with a newer structure.

Running light rail along the bridge, which could connect to the existing Dulwich Hill Line, has also occasionally been suggested as a possibility.

Meanwhile, the Bays metro station is scheduled to open a mere 500 metres away in 2032. With the bridge reopened, the station would be about as far away as the under-construction Pyrmont station for residents on the eastern edge of the suburb.

Perhaps inspiration can be found three kilometres to the west, where the Bay Run circles Iron Cove. A similar, though smaller, loop of Rozelle Bay would be enabled by the bridge’s restoration.

Pyrmont resident Elizabeth Elenius, whose flat overlooks the decommissioned bridge, is “agnostic” about whether the bridge is repaired or a taller one is built in its place.

Elenius noted that the Pyrmont Bridge provides a similar example of a swing bridge from its time. Nonetheless, she stressed the need for a link allowing “walkers and cyclists across from Pyrmont” to in future access the revitalised western side of the bay.