Glebe Island Bridge may yet host light rail after Google withdraws from White Bay over transport concerns

AN IDEA to run trams over the disused Glebe Island Bridge has re-emerged in the wake of Google’s decision to pull out of using the White Bay power station.

Glebe Island Bridge lays unused. Picture Craig Greenhill

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AN IDEA to run trams over the disused Glebe Island Bridge has re-emerged in the wake of Google’s decision to pull out of using the White Bay power station as its Australian HQ.

Supporters of reopening the 114-year-old bridge said it could also become a popular cycling and pedestrian route linking Pyrmont with Rozelle.

Transport officials have confirmed that engineers are investigating the bridge as a public transport route.

Google cited the failure of the State Government to upgrade public transport at the Rozelle end of its Bays Precinct Development for its decision to drop plans to move its base from Pyrmont.

Former premier Mike Baird had talked up the power station, and Google as its tenant, as the core of a Silicon Valley-like technology hub for the inner west.

Glebe Island Bridge could be repurposed as a pedestrian footbridge. Picture Craig Greenhill

Now Balmain state Greens MP for Jamie Parker, Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore and Labor candidate for the Inner West mayor’s position, Darcy Byrne, are leading the charge for the swing bridge to be given a new life.

Inner West Council supports the reopening of the bridge to pedestrians and cyclists.

The electrically powered bridge was decommissioned in 1995 widen the neighbouring Anzac Bridge was opened to traffic. It has been in the open position for the past 12 years to allow more than 200 boats a day into Blackwattle and Rozelle bays.

There had also been serious suggestions that it be demolished because it was becoming too costly to maintain.

Transport for NSW has confirmed that it was considering the potential for public transport, incusing light rail, across the heritage listed bridge.

Glebe Island Bridge was originally to be demolished.

“Glebe Island Bridge has been identified as a potential option for a walking and cycling connection from The Bays Precinct to Pyrmont,” a spokesman said.

“We have engaged engineering advisers to assist our investigations into these options.

“No decision has yet been made on the future of the bridge.

“We will consult with the community and industry on Glebe Island Bridge before making a final decision.”

Mr Parker has been lobbying transport authorities, with the help of community representatives, to protect the bridge from being demolished and to open it for foot and bicycle traffic, with the opportunity to develop light rail.

Public transport advocates have suggested extending the Inner West Light Rail through White Bay and on to Balmain.

“Using the bridge as a thoroughfare once again would be an important step in improving the transport connectivity of our area and helping people get where they need to go easily and quickly,” he said.

The bridge as viewed towards the White Bay power station site.

Ms Moore said it should be reopened to provide better transport to the power station using shuttle bus connections to the Inner West Light Rail and allow cyclist and pedestrian access.

Mr Byrne said when he was mayor of the former Leichhardt Council he repeatedly presented evidence to the Government that reopening the bridge to pedestrians and cyclists and providing a light rail link into the area was a prerequisite for the successful redevelopment of The Bays Precinct.

“In 2015 the CEO of Urban Growth David Pitchford even let the cat out of the bag himself when he conceded that the Bays Precinct redevelopment would be a ‘disaster’ without mass public transport.

Transport Minister Andrew Constance responded on Wednesday, saying the Government might fast track the Sydney Metro West rail line from the CBD to Parramatta, which could include a station at the Bays Precinct.

Originally published as Glebe Island Bridge may yet host light rail after Google withdraws from White Bay over transport concerns