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Great Western Bridge
Fast facts
Status
Completed.
Location
Port Augusta.
About the project
The Great Western Bridge opened in 1927 to carry vehicles and pedestrians across the Spencer Gulf.
Traffic moved to the Joy Baluch AM Bridge when it opened in 1972.
Form 1972 the Great Western Bridge was used for pedestrian access, recreational fishing and a Heritage Walk until 2017, when it was closed due to safety concerns relating to the bridge’s condition.
Work included demolishing the entire structure including the piles cut to seabed level and demolition of the timber abutments.
Project background
The GWB opened in 1927 and was used to carry vehicles and pedestrians across the Spencer Gulf until the Joy Baluch AM Bridge was opened to vehicle traffic in 1972.
From 1972, the GWB was retained and used for pedestrian access, recreational fishing and a Heritage Walk until 2017, when it was closed due to safety concerns relating to the bridge’s degrading condition.
Several independent assessments have identified significant deterioration to the supporting piles and the bridge’s overall structural integrity. Further investigations into potential upgrade options have determined it is not practical or economically viable to restore the bridge.
In August 2023, the South Australian Heritage Council decided not to provisionally designate the Great Western Bridge as a Heritage location because it did not meet any of the criteria for State heritage significance outlined in the Heritage Places Act 1993.