Perth Voice Interactive

THIS is an artist’s impression of the $85,000 public artwork chosen for the new Seventh Avenue bridge in Maylands.

The work will be made using jarrah from the old 1913 Seventh Avenue bridge, which is being demolished to make way for its $9.3 million successor.

The blurb describes the artwork as “essentially an abstract deconstruction of the original bridge’s structural aesthetic”.

It also mentions a “nostalgic connection” and “human vulnerability”.

The original timber trestle and deck bridge was used to carry horses and carts, vehicles and pedestrians over the railway line.

The replacement will span more than 80 metres and include footpaths, space for four lines, bridge guard rails and increased capacity.

Bayswater city council and local community groups were asked to select a public artwork that commemorates the bridge’s historic past.

“We surveyed the community on what they would like to see in the artwork and then conveyed that to the artists,” says Anne Goodall, founder of Creative Maylands.

“We ended up selecting the winner from a shortlist of three.”

Main Roads media advisor Dean Roberts says most of the good quality timber from the old bridge will be salvaged for the artwork.

“Main Roads also plans to salvage some of the timbers and barriers for maintenance purposes at other similar bridge locations,” he says.

“Any remaining material will become the property of the demolition contractor and is likely to be taken to a salvage yard.”

The Voice understands there was a break-in attempt on the small onsite office at the bridge, but nothing was stolen.

The contractor and Main Roads have since beefed up security with extra fencing and lights. The new bridge is estimated to be ready next May.

by STEPHEN POLLOCK