Lifetime of work recognised in bridge naming

Published
The enduring contribution to the transport industry and community of a former bridge engineer is to be given permanent recognition.

Parliamentary Secretary for the Central Coast Adam Crouch said a bridge over the Pacific Motorway at Mount White would soon be named after the late Ray Wedgwood.

“This bridge was designed by Ray in 1964 and, 62 years later, is still serving motorists well,” Mr Crouch said.

“It is testament to his professionalism as a bridge designer. Ray 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.”

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 Ray 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 also be found via the website at nswroads.work/mtwhitebridgenaming