ANZAC Bridge - Sydney
Glebe Island Bridge
The first access across Johnston's bay from Pyrmont to Glebe Island was via a timber bridge completed in 1862. It provided access to the rapidly growing suburbs to the west and the abattoirs on Glebe Island.
Called Blackbutts Bridge, it had a hand operated lift span opening to allow shipping into Johnston's Bay and the adjacent Blackwattle and Rozelle bays. It was built from Tasmanian blackbutt timber so maybe it should called Blackbutt bridge.
The bridge was privately owned. As the turn of the century approached it was in a poor state of repair. The Colonial Government bought it and planning began for the replacement. 5b.
In 1903 the timber bridge was replaced with a steel bridge built with two fixed truss spans and a unique electrically operated central swing span. The Percy Allen design generated international recognition. This bridge remained in service until it's replacement in 1995. 5b.
Blackbutts bridge, from a newspaper cutting. The left photo was taken around 1870 4.
Turntable for 1903 bridge
The four lane steel bridge carried huge traffic loads to Sydney's western suburbs until the 1995 opening of the new bridge.
The swing span control cabin of the 1903 bridge with the western deck of the new bridge progressing in the background
The 1903 bridge from Glebe 2009
From the northern Jacksons Landing side 2026
Under the bridge from the water 2010
The National Trust (NSW) placed the Glebe Island Bridge on it's Register in 1987.
During November 2013 NSW Heritage Minister Robyn Parker announced that Sydney’s 110 year old Glebe Island Bridge has been placed on the State Heritage List as one of the earliest examples of an electric-powered swing bridge in the world.
Not only is this almost unique bridge worthy of preservation in its own right, it will (when put back into service) be a valuable functional asset to the community allowing easy access to the Glebe Island and White Bay precinct. There are many future opportunities for this area and having this low level access can only enhance these.
The Glebe Society's website gives insight into the many potential uses for the Glebe Island Bridge and how its reopening to pedestrians and cyclists would link the communities on either side.
Glebe Society website
During February 2026, the NSW Government announced the development of Bays West, an the area either side of the western ramp to ANZAC Bridge and Glebe Island, to provide up to 8,500 homes.
Bays West announcement (ABC)
The announcement included the very welcome commitment to restore Glebe Island Bridge and to open it for pedestrian and cycling access.
Transport for NSW, National Trust (NSW),
For more information visit
Glebe Island Bridge | Heritage
Wikipedia - Glebe Island Bridge