ICONIC BRIDGE TURNS 50
L.H. FORD BRIDGE 1969-2019
She’s one of Dubbo’s most iconic structures, and she’s officially 50 years old today.
The L.H. Ford Bridge cost $1.25 million to build and was opened on September 26, 1969.
Many local men worked on its construction, including Tony Bourke and John Morris pictured at the bridge this week, but none of that crew were invited to the official opening.
Many local men worked on what has become one of Dubbo’s iconic works of engineering – the L.H. Ford Bridge. Named after former Mayor, Les Ford, the bridge cost $1.25 million to build and was opened by the Minister for Local Government and Highways Pat Morton and Mr Ford’s widow Peg on September 26, 1969. None of the workers were invited to the gathering. As told to NATALIE HOLMES
JOHN Morris – welder – he became a truck driver for many years and is now the Regional NSW High Productivity Road Transport Alliance coordinator.
“I went to TAFE and learned farm mechanics. I was working on the land, then left there and went to the bridge as a welder from May to September 1969. They asked if I was qualified, so I did a demonstration of my work. I was there until they finished.
“They had done most of the pylon work, I’d say it had been going for 18 months by then.
“There was a bridge formerly at Bultje St, the White Bridge. Construction of the L.H. Ford Bridge was undertaken by Hornibrook Constructions, who were a national company even in those days. There wasn’t heavy traffic until then.
“In 1993, B-doubles came along and the Serisier Bridge was built in 1986.
“I was 21 at the time the L.H. Ford Bridge was built and I was going out with Tony Bourke’s sister Anne. We have since become Masonic Lodge buddies. There was 12 of us altogether working on the project – the engineer and manager were from out of town. The concrete finisher and the welders were locals. In our crew, my job was welding.
“Our crew consisted of a leading hand carpenter Tony, a second carpenter, Les Jackson (of Manera Heights Apartments and Cattleman’s Motel owner/ builder fame), myself as the welder, Mario somebody who was the concrete finisher, and the late Kel Webb who was our crane driver.
“Les and Tony went on to be very successful builders around Dubbo.
“We all stopped work around 1pm on July 21, 1969, and huddled around a portable wireless and listened to Neil Armstrong take ` his first steps on the Moon. I remember that like yesterday. Five days after that I got married the first time.
“What they are doing now on the bridge is strengthening the centre span which we knew back then was going to sag. The leading hand said it could only take 80 tonnes, the engineer said 100 tonnes. We said, “The centre span, it’s going to sag.’
“Our suggestion was a centre span to support the existing infrastructure. It had a 63-tonne limit so we knew the bridge would never fall. We were all pretty put out not to be invited to the opening. It would be nice to see the 50th anniversary commemorated.”
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TONY Bourke – leading hand carpenter – he is now a retired builder.
“I was trained in Bourke by my father who was a building contractor. When I started working, I was earning 30 shillings a week and gave 10 shillings to my mum for board.
“I worked at the Mail Exchange in Sydney, with my other two brothers, we got a job at the Opera House.
“We were all builders and had a great time. I never expected to get a job at the Opera House. There were 500-600 people working there. It was a wonderful experience and we met some great people there.
“I got a job at the L.H. Ford Bridge earning $60 a week, my wife was a trained nurse a and worked at the hospital. I was a leading hand carpenter. It was a great job and I enjoyed being there.
“A lot of local blokes were there. It was a very happy place to work. It was well-organised and good communications. At the time, I was building my own house. It was a great job and John worked with me.
“We are still good friends. I was there when they pulled the old bridge down. It was a very interesting job and it was a great experience.
“It’s a very dangerous job, like most building trades. Les broke both his wrists. He built a lot of houses in west Dubbo including the Cattleman’s Motel.
“I was kept on towards the finish. When the local engineer saw that it sagged 50mm, they packed the handrails up. After it opened, it just kept getting a big dip. The bridge is made from pre-stressed concrete with big cables. It never fell down.
“I went to work with my brother after that and then branched out on my own. I have spent 50 years in the trade.”
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LES Jackson – second carpenter, also went on to become a successful local builder
“I was one on the blokes who worked on it. I was there from the start to finish. I was paid well and worked with a good mob of fellows. It has been great for Dubbo and I have always stuck up for it. I feel that it will be a service to Dubbo for many years to come.”
We all stopped work around 1pm on July 21, 1969, and huddled around a portable wireless and listened to Neil Armstrong take his first steps on the Moon.. – John Morris