Steve Turner provides insight into Grafton Bridge’s history

The iconic ‘Bendy’ Grafton Bridge has a long standing history in the community. Here’s why it’s considered so unique.

The Grafton Bridge is unmissable, dividing the town with its iconic truss steel design.

Having turned 90 on Wednesday, many Graftonians still fondly remember its inception and indeed the very many trips it supplied.

Steve Turner, president of the Schaeffer House Museum and of the Clarence River Historical Society, said the milestone is significant.

“It’s huge for the community,” Mr Turner said.

Initially built with no intention to transport cars – the Bridge now sees heavy traffic.

“The original design of the bridge provided for a single track railway, without any provision for vehicular or pedestrian traffic,” Mr Turner said.

Grafton Bridge during flood season. Picture: CRHS Photograph collection.

Mr Turner said only those with high incomes – such as doctors – could afford cars at the time, hence why the bridge was built with boats in the forefront of its design.

Construction was approved in 1928 – the same year the Sydney Harbour Bridge was being built which he said played a role in limited steel resources at the time.

He noted the significance of the timing of the great depression in 1929.

“The construction gave support and income for people employed to work at the bridge,” Mr Turner said.

The busy river traffic at that period meant the bridge needed a mid section opening – with the solution being the span.

The span opened 84 feet – becoming one of the largest on record.

With the decline in coastal shipping and traffic, the span became inoperative in 1968

The Grafton Bridge is considered one of the most important railway bridges in NSW, featuring the truss structure with five spans, ranging from 243ft to 245ft, with 2 approach spans at either end. Picture: supplied.

Prior to the bridge’s construction, pedestrians were transported across the river via passenger ferries.

Trains – with their passengers – were carried across by boats during that time and passengers would disembark and travel across on a ferry.

Despite debate around the congestion caused by the bridge today, it was not just a showpiece but was necessary in continuing the Pacific Highway development.

The upper portion was designed with pedestrian paths, while the bottom section featured the railway line.

This finalised the rail link between Sydney and Brisbane in 1932.

Now heritage listed, the bridge went through several names in its 90 years, including Grafton Bridge, Clarence River Bridge – or simply “Bendy” Bridge.

Children arriving from Coffs Harbour to Grafton by train using the Bridge for Children's Day. Picture: supplied

The site for the bridge was scrutinised after several inspections and borings, with other locations such as Susan Island and Mountain View considered.

“Eventually the present site was selected on account of the suitability of the foundations and the narrowness of the river, and also because it would entail less railway work to junction with the existing lines,” Mr Turner said.

The old design was remodelling when the bridge’s purpose shifted to car transport.

The construction design is considered to this day unique as it allowed for two way traffic on the top deck and railway and pedestrian traffic below with an opening span for shipping traffic.

It’s considered one of the largest bridges of that configuration in the world and will no doubt continue to act as a beacon for Grafton in the coming years.