The Amazing Webb Bridge
Eel is a snake-like fish that is known to be slippery when one tries to hold it. To catch one, an indigenous Australian uses a woven basket. It is called a Koorie Eel Trap. This popular catching device inspired the builders of a bridge in Melbourne to design it like a Koorie Eel Trap. Its unique design has made the bridge a top tourist attraction.
The Webb Bridge, one of the many bridges that span the famed Yarra River in Melbourne, connects the Docklands area to the south bank which is near the South Wharf and the South Edge. Representing the nets or woven basket are steels connected to each other to make a Koorie Eel Trap shape. This design is concentrated near the southern part of the bridge. The northern part has plain arches only. Webb Bridge is for pedestrians and cyclists only.
Perhaps this unique architectural design was adopted by the builders to make the walk across Webb Bridge more exciting. This is different from the ordinary bridge we usually see. When negotiating the southern part, one is enclosed within that eel trap shape but does not feel stifled as there are gaps between the steel enclosures. After entering the mouth of the steel cage and as the pedestrian or cyclist negotiates that bend or curve coming from the south, he regains "freedom" as he reaches the upper part of the bridge where there is no more enclosure except for arches. Steel as material for the enclosure gives it the impression of stability and durability.
At the bend are stainless railings at both sides and at the middle which were installed for safety purposes especially when riding a bike. And as one continues his walk, he is treated to majestic views of numerous tall buildings, a marina, a long highway bridge and other small bridges spanning the ever-flowing Yarra. One realizes that he stands on a vantage point. He then begins to take pictures as everyone else traversing the bridge is trying to capture that one beautiful view, that one beautiful moment. Click, click, click.
Perhaps this unique architectural design was adopted by the builders to make the walk across Webb Bridge more exciting. This is different from the ordinary bridge we usually see. When negotiating the southern part, one is enclosed within that eel trap shape but does not feel stifled as there are gaps between the steel enclosures. After entering the mouth of the steel cage and as the pedestrian or cyclist negotiates that bend or curve coming from the south, he regains "freedom" as he reaches the upper part of the bridge where there is no more enclosure except for arches. Steel as material for the enclosure gives it the impression of stability and durability.
At the bend are stainless railings at both sides and at the middle which were installed for safety purposes especially when riding a bike. And as one continues his walk, he is treated to majestic views of numerous tall buildings, a marina, a long highway bridge and other small bridges spanning the ever-flowing Yarra. One realizes that he stands on a vantage point. He then begins to take pictures as everyone else traversing the bridge is trying to capture that one beautiful view, that one beautiful moment. Click, click, click.
- Konted
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| The Webb Bridge in Melbourne |
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| Entry point as one starts from the south bank of the Yarra; exit point when one comes from the north bank. |
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| The Webb Bridge is for pedestrians and cyclists only. |
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| The bridge is shaped like a Koorie eel trap. |
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| The Webb Bridge spans the Yarra River. |
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| Stainless steel railings and a partitioner as one negotiates the bend. |
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| Nearing the summit of the bridge |
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| View from the bridge |
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| View of the West Gate Bridge |
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| Stainless steel railing as divider as the bridge is a shared path. It is installed for safety purposes. |
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| Steel enclosures about to end |
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| As one reaches about 1/3 of the bridge, only steel arches can be seen. |
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| View of the ANZ Bank building from the bridge |
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| Approaching Webb Bridge from the north or the Docklands area. |
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| The ascent is gradual. |
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| View of the southern part of Webb Bridge. |
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| An easy ride |
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| The curve at the southern part of the bridge. |
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| For safety purposes |
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| Lady cyclist makes the ascent at Webb Bridge. |
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| Coffee shop near Webb Bridge |
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| Trident bikers approaching Webb Bridge |
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