In exactly 2 weeks today, the new Fremantle Traffic Bridge will be opened, with great fanfare, to the public travelling over it, north and south, on Shank’s Pony and in motorised and electric vehicles. But what are we to call it? The old Bridge was simply Fremantle Traffic Bridge and Main Roads WA have consistently referred to the current construction project for the new Bridge as Swan River Crossings Fremantle Traffic Bridge.
We can’t argue with that, but surely the new Bridge deserves a Freo appropriate nickname. So, let’s have your suggestions and our Editor and his Gang of Four Editorial Assistants will announce the Winning Entry or Entries on the morning of 1 November.
To help your name visualisation processes here are Les Moyle’s latest and greatest eye-in-the-sky pics of the new Bridge.
The new Fremantle Traffic Bridge opens on 1 November and, before the first Freo folk and first vehicle cross it, the great naming debate has begun.
Officially, Main Roads WA have consistently referred to the construction project as Swan River Crossings Fremantle Traffic Bridge. Which is perfectly sensible and practical.
Perhaps a simple New Bridge would work. After all New Town in Edinburgh, Scotland has been New Town since the late 1700s!
But let’s not let sensible and practical get in the way of a good Bridge nickname.
Early contenders we’re hearing around the traps include The Goalposts, inspired by the bridge’s twin pylons, and The Washing Line, which captures the distinctly Freo instinct to compare major infrastructure with something from the backyard.
Both have merit.
The Goalposts sounds strong and memorable. The Washing Line like something only Fremantle could invent.
No doubt there are many other possibilities. Perhaps The Clothesline. The Harbour Harp. The Big Peg Rack. The New Old Traffic Bridge. Or simply The Other Bridge – not the Stirling Bridge.
Or even Rita’s Revenge, for all those who wanted the old Bridge retained and converted into Freo’s own Highline!
History suggests, however, that nicknames cannot be engineered. They emerge. Usually from an offhand remark at a barbecue, in a café or at the supermarket checkout, and then spread because they feel right.
In the end, the public decides. Which is exactly what we are now inviting you to do!
My prediction is that, in the end, all our creativity will amount to very little. By February next year, locals will still be giving directions the same way they have for generations:
“Turn left at the Traffic Bridge.”
And perhaps that’s no bad thing.
After all, the old bridge was the Traffic Bridge. The new bridge is the Traffic Bridge. In 50 years’ time it will almost certainly still be the Traffic Bridge.
Some names survive because they’re clever.
Others survive because they’re true.
Still, if The Washing Line catches on, don’t say you weren’t warned.
What do you reckon? The Goalposts? The Washing Line? Something else?
Let us know your nomination for Fremantle’s newest landmark by emailing our Editor now!
*By Michael Barker, Editor, Fremantle Shipping News
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