A bridge over the Pacific Hwy at Mount White is set to be named after former bridge engineer Ray Wedgwood in recognition of his contribution to the transport industry and the community.
Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast, Adam Crouch, said the bridge was designed by Wedgwood in 1964 and, 62 years later, is still serving motorists well.
“It is testament to his professionalism as a bridge designer,” Crouch said.
“He designed dozens of bridges throughout his working life and was held in the highest regard by his peers.
“We sought community feedback and received overwhelming support for the name change, with 92 per cent of the respondents backing the proposal.
“Transport for NSW will move forward with naming the bridge Ray Wedgwood Bridge in recognition of his important work and long and illustrious career as one of the state’s leading bridge designers.”
The bridge was Wedgwood’s first design, completed when he was just 22.
He was directly involved in several major constructions including Sheahan Bridge at Gundagai, Macarthur Bridge at Camden, Captain Cook Bridge at Taren Point and Glebe Island (Anzac Bridge).
Wedgwood was well-known in academic, civil engineering consulting and bridge construction circles and was a key figure on various Austroads and Australian Standards committees until his passing in March, 2020.
Carol Wedgwood said her late husband had a passion for family and bridges.
“He was a gentle, caring and very funny man, proud of his family and always supported them in various educational and sporting endeavors,” she said.
“His passion for engineering and bridges was constantly shared with family and friends.
“When travelling around NSW on family holidays, Ray would stop to take photographs and describe the history and design features of the bridges that were encountered.
“In many cases, he had some personal connection with the bridge from his distinguished career at the Department of Main Roads and its successor organisations.
“As a family we are all proud of Ray’s academic and professional achievements, but most of all we value and are thankful for our time together as ‘family’.”
Transport for NSW colleague and friend, Vince Taranto, said Wedgwood was respected by all his workmates.
“He was an effective and hard-working manager, and reliable source of technical information and assistance on all matters bridge-related,” he said.
“Ray had a keen interest in the history of bridges and was an active participant on the Roads and Traffic Authority/Roads and Maritime Services Heritage Committee.
“He was able to condense complex technical issues into simpler terms, for the benefit of the non-engineers on the committee.
“Ray was a natural communicator, equally at home talking to bridge workers, junior office staff, senior managers and politicians.”
More information can be found at nswroads.work/mtwhitebridgenaming.
Terry Collins
I knew Ray Wedgwood and he certainly was passionate about bridges. He actually lectured part time a long time ago and I was fortunate enough to benefit from his knowledge. Another bridge identity who lives at Woy Woy recently retired with little fanfare after over 60 years with DMR, RTA, RMS and TfNSW. I sent an email to the NSW Minister for Transport suggesting some sort of recognition for this long service but did not get a reply. His name is John Eveston and although he avoids the limelight it would be great to give him some recognition. He worked on the construction of the Rip Bridge, the Anzac Bridge, the Mooney Mooney Creek Bridge on the M1 to name a few. I think a story of John’s life in the local Central Coast paper would be great.