Last Day for the Old Traffic Bridge’s Shared Path

Ian reports: It will a tough time for pedestrians and cyclists until the new traffic bridge is finished in just under 2 years time – but if you doubt it will be worthwhile, just have a look at the third picture below and couple that with the bridge shuddering every time a vehicle goes past!

And this last pic is just to prove that I was there on the last day.

Jean reflects: ‘Old bridges, carry not just our vehicles, but our memories, linking us to the past, and the paths we’ve taken’, Maya, Angelou.

I walked this path for the last time today. I’ve loved this path for several reasons –
* one of my favourite haunts to stand and watch ferries and powerboats travel beneath me up and down the river.
* a great spot to train watch, and photograph ships in the harbour.
* a perfect place to watch dolphins fishing around the pylons.

The boards beneath my feet rattle and creek, a familiar feeling now tinged with finality. The railings are worn and rusty. This old path has carried so many feet, so many bicycles – so many memories .

I linger a moment longer and watch a sailboat, with its mast lowered, heading up the river. It passes beneath me and I try to capture the essence of something that won’t be the same again.

* By Ian Ker and Jean Hudson

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

~ If you’d like to COMMENT on this or any of our stories, don’t hesitate to email our Editor.

~ WHILE YOU’RE HERE –