Windan Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Windan Bridge |
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Windan Bridge on the left, next to the Goongoongup railway bridge
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| Coordinates | 31°56′51″S 115°52′58″E / 31.9474°S 115.8828°E |
| Carries | Road vehicles |
| Crosses | Swan River |
| Locale | East Perth, Western Australia |
| Characteristics | |
| Total length | 403 m (1,322 ft) |
| Number of spans | 9 |
| History | |
| Constructed by | Transfield Thiess joint venture |
| Construction begin | 1998 |
| Opened | 22 April 2000 |
The Windan Bridge is a big six-lane road bridge in East Perth, Western Australia. It crosses the beautiful Swan River and is an important part of the Graham Farmer Freeway. The bridge opened in the year 2000. Right next to it, you can see the Goongoongup railway bridge, which was built a few years earlier in 1995.
Contents
Building the Windan Bridge
Building a bridge as large as the Windan Bridge takes a lot of planning and teamwork!
Who Built the Bridge?
Two big construction companies, Transfield and Thiess Contractors, worked together to build the Windan Bridge. They were chosen from a small group of companies that wanted to build it. Construction started in 1998.
How Was the Bridge Built?
The Windan Bridge is 403 m (1,322 ft) long, which is about the length of four football fields! It has nine sections, called spans, that stretch across the river. The bridge was built using a special method called incremental launch. This means parts of the bridge were built on land and then slowly pushed into place over the river.
The main parts of the bridge are made from two strong box girders. These are like hollow concrete boxes that make the bridge very sturdy. They sit on two rows of piers, which are the strong columns that hold the bridge up.
Path for Walking and Cycling
Underneath the main road deck of the bridge, there's a special path. This path is for both pedestrians (people walking) and cyclists. It's called a dual-use path and it's a great way to enjoy the river views safely.
The Story Behind the Name
The Windan Bridge has a special name that connects it to the history of the land.
Who Was Windan?
The bridge is named after a woman called Windan. She was the wife of Yellagonga, who was a very important leader, or chief, of the Mooro tribe. The Mooro people are part of the Noongar people, who are the traditional owners of the land in this area.
Why Was She Honored?
According to her wishes, Windan's body was buried somewhere around the area where the bridge now stands. To honor her and the local Indigenous history, the name "Windan" was chosen for the bridge. This decision was made after talking with Noongar elders, who are respected older members of the community.
Naming Ceremony
A special naming ceremony was held on April 9, 2000. During the ceremony, a plaque was revealed that explains the bridge's name. There was also a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony. This is a cultural ceremony where smoke from burning native plants is used to cleanse and bless a place.
Opening Day and Community Fun
The opening of the Windan Bridge and the Graham Farmer Freeway was a big event for the community.
Public Celebration
On April 22, 2000, a community open day was held. People were invited to walk or cycle through the new Graham Farmer tunnel and across the Windan Bridge before it opened to cars. It was a chance for everyone to see the new infrastructure up close. The very next day, the freeway and bridge were officially open for traffic.
The Windan Bridge Loop
Today, the Windan Bridge is part of a very popular exercise route. This route is known as the Windan Bridge Loop. It's a great trail for walking, running, or cycling along the banks of the Swan River. The loop takes you across both the Windan Bridge and The Causeway, another well-known bridge in Perth.
