on independent evaluations concluding that there would be only slight improvements to traffic congestion citybound on Victoria Road during peak hour while local congestion would worsen. Additionally, parkland on both sides of the new bridge would be reduced and independent environmental studies showed the local environment detrimentally impacted by the new bridge construction. Work on the duplicate bridge commenced in July 2009 and the bridge was opened to traffic late on 28 January 2011. The new bridge was constructed on the western side of the 1955 bridge and carries three westbound traffic lanes with one lane designated as a morning peak bus lane. There is also a grade-separated shared pedestrian footpath and cycleway on the western side of the new bridge which connects to both The Bay Run and Victoria Road. The 1955 bridge now carries three citybound traffic lanes and a 24-hour bus lane. The additional lane of the 1955 bridge outside the bridge supports was closed and is now only used for maintenance reasons. First bridge The original bridge was constructed of wrought iron lattice girders and opened in 1882 after four years of construction. The area was sparsely populated in the 1880s and the opening of the new bridge not only helped accessibility but also provided a new western route to Sydney via Balmain. The old spans were re-used by means of purchase by Gordon Duff. Because of their good resistance to corrosion, all nine of the 1882 bridge's spans are in current use in three bridges on country roads in the area. All that remains in place of the original bridge are the sandstone abutments situated on both sides of the cove approximately south of the current bridge. The abutment on the Drummoyne side is listed on the local government heritage list. See also List of bridges in Sydney List of Art Deco buildings in Sydney The Bay Run, a popular pathway for joggers, walkers and cyclists which passes across Iron Cove Bridge References Attribution Further reading External links Roads and Traffic Authority, New South Wales Inner West Busway (RTA) Duplication proposal (RTA) Local Images at InnerWest ImageBank Local History Collection, Leichhardt Council Victoria Road Community Committee Inc Bridges in Sydney Bridges completed in 1882 Bridges completed in 1955 1955 establishments in Australia Rozelle, New South Wales Road bridges in New South Wales Steel bridges in Australia Pratt truss bridges Truss bridges in Australia Box girder