The New Causeway to Granite Island

Post

Subscribe

Posted 2022-01-05 by Karen Ross ⇒ follow

After much deliberation, some controversy and a cost of over 43 million dollars, the brand new, concrete and steel causeway to Granite Island has been completed. The structure is vastly different, in appearance and character, from the previous, 150-year-old causeway. Its saving grace, according to some, is the fact that it incorporates two important Ngarrindjeri-Ramindjeri Dreaming stories embedded into the concrete.

For a limited time, we are able to walk along either the new or the old causeway. Repair work has been attempted, for many past years, on the old structure and some of it can now be seen, from the new causeway, in the form of steel pipes and bracing. Sadly, it seems the repairs are not sufficient in maintaining the integrity of the old walkway and it is scheduled for demolition later in 2022.

The old causeway has hosted a horse-drawn tram for around 120 years. It is one of the last of its type in the world. In fact, the tram was a significant factor in the plan to replace the original, 630-metre structure that stretches from Victor Harbor to Granite Island.

The new causeway is wider, leaving enough space for pedestrians to walk alongside the tram rather than squeezing into the narrow space 'behind the yellow line, as we used to.

Many of you will remember the days of walking across to Granite Island, taking a ride on the chairlift and enjoying an ice cream from the kiosk. The chairlift was removed in 1996 and the kiosk is not currently open, however, a walk around the island is still a popular activity for many. During winter months whales can often be spotted to the south and the penguin population is said to be increasing, reassigning the focus of Granite Island to nature rather than commercial ventures.

Each end of the old causeway is to be maintained and they are to be used as viewing platforms. 2022 is likely to be your very last chance to walk along the historic structure.