As early as 1957, businesses in Melbourne’s west were demanding easier access to and from the city. After a false start, the Lower Yarra River Crossing Authority began work in 1965 to build a bridge paid for by those using it.
Yarra River before bridge construction
As Melbourne developed it became increasingly apparent that a crossing of the Lower Yarra somewhere between Port Melbourne and Williamstown was a necessity to enable traffic to move across the river, other than by the somewhat limited facilities provided by the Williamstown ferry.
In 1957, the Western Industries Association was formed by industries from Williamstown, Spotswood, Altona and Footscray and surrounding areas. This Association was most concerned that a crossing of some description should be built across the Lower Yarra.
