Flat Rock Creek Bridge

A decision to build a bridge over Flat Rock Creek was first made on 1 November 1866 when Willoughby’s first Councillors, elected in 1865, observed “That the Chairman (Mayor) be directed to call for tenders for erecting a Bridge over the creek at North Sydney.” At this time Willoughby was known as North Sydney in contrast to St Leonards, (now North Sydney). The first bridge was built in 1868 but a flash flood washed away the rocklined northern approaches.

The present bridge – constructed in 1886 and designed by JS Wigram – still bears the inscription “erected 1886 H Fleming Mayor.” The bridge has been rebutressed (1890) and strengthened (1896) to support a tramline which ran to the corner of Penshurst St and Willoughby Rd. In 1960 it lost the two sandstone pillars at each end, and today is one of Sydney’s few remaining sandstone bridges.

Observing deterioration of the structure the NPA in 2006 made representation to our Loval Member Gladys Berejiklian. After repeated letters to the Minister for Roads, the bridge has been cleaned and repointed (2008).