LUGARNO FERRY ENDS
The opening of Alfords Point Bridge in 1973 resulted in the demise of the Lugarno ferry a year later.
A small group of residents staged a protest when the ferry made its final crossing of the Georges River on December 12, 1974.
Children held a sign, which read, “Now we have to row to school”.
“With the Jolly Roger flying cheekily from the masthead, the Lugarno ferry made its last crossing of the Georges River last Thursday,” the Leader reported.
“The 16 car ferry will be towed to Berowra to replace a much older ferry.
“The service began in 1843 and four ferries, two of them hand-powered, have been used.
“Financing of the service has been shared by the Department of Main Roads and Sutherland and Hurstville councils.
“Increased operating road costs of about $70,000 a year and the opening of the Alfords Point Bridge brought about the ferry's demise.”
The Lions Club of Lugarno and Lugarno Sports Club planned a paying-off function, with an old stage coach, period costumes and an evening barbecue and dance.
But, Sutherland Council refused to assist, citing public liability risks.
Premier Sir Robert Askin opened the $5 million Alfords Point Bridge on September 7, 1973, in front of about 2000 people.
Sir Robert said the Main Roads Department had planned the bridge with an eye to the future.
“By 1975, there should be more than 17,000 vehicles using the bridge each day and 10 years later the daily volume could be as high as 80,000,” he said.
Showing foresight, the Main Roads Department built foundations so a parallel bridge could be added in the future.
The first bridge started with one lane in each direction.
It was later turned into three lanes and a tidal flow arrangement was introduced in 1989.
A parallel bridge costing $42 million was opened in 2008.
FLASHBACK FRIDAY
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