This Day in History: 1968-11-27

The new ‘Avon River Bridge’, as it was named on that occasion, was officially opened by the Minister for Works, Ross Hutchinson, in the presence of Members of Parliament, the Commissioner of Main Roads, Shire Councillors and hoards of onlookers. The bridge was designed and financed by the Main Roads Dept., built at a cost of $245,000 by R.P. Constructions Pty. Ltd., and had a length of 530 feet and a width of 26 feet between the kerbs. The load limit had been increased from the 40 tons of the old bridge to 200 tons. The afternoon tea was catered by the Toodyay Anglican Church Guild, and probably held in the nearby St. Stephen’s Church Hall. Les Purser had the distinction of being the first person to cross the newly opened bridge, after the boom gates were raised. Postman Les rode his bicycle, and went on with his job of delivering telegrams, to the cheers of the onlookers.

Sources:
Central districts herald-tribune, 5 Dec. 1968, p.1.
Toodyay Shire Council minutes, 18 Nov. 1968; 16 Dec. 1968.