People with special connection to Fremantle Traffic Bridge bid farewell before reconstruction
Sam Mitchell and Maureen Smith were both born on the Fremantle Traffic Bridge, 64 years apart. (ABC News: Mya Kordic )
The Fremantle Traffic Bridge is listed as the birthplace on Sam Mitchell's birth certificate.
He made a dramatic entry into the world in December 2001, when his father Jarrod was forced to pull the car over while crossing the bridge, on the way to King Edward Memorial Hospital.
"It was three days before Christmas … we were a bit like Mary and Joseph turning up (to the hospital) with the baby still attached," his mother, Tina, said.
Tina, Sam and Jarrod Mitchell say the bridge holds special memories. (ABC News: Mya Kordic )
Sam and his parents were among 80 people invited to board the last buses to cross the 86-year-old bridge before it is demolished.
The bridge closed at midnight on Saturday night and will be rebuilt over the next year at a cost of $430 million, with traffic to be diverted to the nearby Stirling Bridge.
"It's cool to be here … and see a whole new bridge being constructed," Sam said.
"It doesn't happen very often."
The Fremantle Traffic Bridge will be demolished and replaced. (Supplied: Les Moyle Balm Commercial Photography)
Another bridge birth
It is also special for self-proclaimed "Fremantle girl" Maureen Smith, who was born at the site in 1937, two years prior to the current bridge being built in 1939.
"I was born on the 31st of July and it was a very wet night, and my dad was taking mum and me to Hillcrest [maternity hospital]," she said.
"We had to naturally come across the bridge … and I couldn't wait, so in all the rain and the whole bit, dad delivered me."
Maureen Smith believes an upgrade is necessary. (ABC News: Mya Kordic )
Maureen said the bridge held special memories for her, but said she believed an upgrade was required.
"It's nostalgic because it's part of you that's not there anymore," she said.
"But I think what they're doing is really necessary and that's progress, isn't it?
"I think it'll make a big difference and be so much better than what it is at the moment."
Eighty people with a connection to the bridge were invited to cross it before it is rebuilt. (ABC News: Mya Kordic )
Bridge enthusiasts
Richard Plocki and his daughter, Olive, an aspiring engineer, have a keen interest in bridges and architecture.
Richard Plocki and his daughter Olive came to farewell the bridge. (ABC News: Mya Kordic )
"Every time we drive past the old bridge and also the new bridge … we've been watching YouTube videos on how these types of bridges are built," he said.
"We're very excited to be one of the last and youngest people to drive across the bridge."
The Fremantle Traffic Bridge will remain closed for up to a year. (ABC News: Nicolas Perpitch)
Richard said he was glad to see the government investing in Perth's infrastructure.
"I think it's going to be fantastic for the area, but also just aesthetically they're pretty impressive, so it's going to look pretty amazing," he said.
The bridge will soon be demolished. (ABC News: Mya Kordic )
Finding 'hidden secrets'
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti joined the crowd on the bridge and said she received positive feedback on the replacement structure.
"So while there's a lot of history, people really understand that a new bridge is required and because of the design of this bridge, the cables, the incredible structure — people are really excited," she said.
Transport Minister Rita Saffioti speaks with Olive and her dad Richard. (ABC News: Mya Kordic )
Ms Saffioti said she met one family whose grandfather built the traffic bridge's brass orbs, which will be incorporated in the new structure.
"The family was very interested in not only the orbs but the foundation underneath them because they can take the foundation off now and we can see what plaques might exist underneath," she said.
"So hopefully, as part of the demolition, we actually learn even more about the bridge as we find some hidden secrets throughout the bridge as well."
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