BY the 1930s, Fremantle’s ageing timber bridge was in poor condition.

Its supporting piles had deteriorated, and its decking required constant maintenance. 

• A busy day as premier John Willcock opens the “temporary” Fremantle Traffic Bridge. Photo courtesy Fremantle Local History Centre: Ref 2063D

The question facing the authorities was whether to invest in a substantial new structure or build a cheaper replacement that might eventually make way for the expansion of Fremantle Harbour. 

The decision was pragmatic. 

A concrete bridge was estimated to cost around £650,000, while a timber structure could be built for approximately £75,000. 

Main Roads engineer EW Godfrey designed the replacement, and construction began in 1937. 

The choice reflected the expectation that the bridge might serve for a relatively short period before future harbour development changed the needs of the crossing. 

The new Fremantle–North Fremantle Traffic Bridge was officially opened by premier John Willcock on December 15, 1939. 

The timing was extraordinary. 

Australia had entered the Second World War only three months earlier. 

Although the new bridge had officially opened, construction was not fully completed until early 1940. 

More importantly, the old bridge was not demolished as originally intended. 

With the possibility of enemy attack in mind, authorities retained it as an emergency crossing in case the new structure was damaged. 

For several years, the two bridges stood side by side. 

• It’s timber walkways underneath were a dream for photographers, fishers, and the occasional opera singer like Fiona Campbell.

The older bridge was eventually demolished after the war, with work beginning in December 1947 and the southern approach removed in 1951. 

The old crossing’s remaining traces became a reminder that the site had a longer history than the bridge that replaced it. 

• But age catches up with us all, and by the late 20th century Main Roads was getting concerned about the endless patch-ups needed to keep the bridge open.

The replacement had been conceived as a practical, relatively inexpensive structure that might serve for only a few years. 

Instead, its timber construction endured for generations.