The current Kidd Bridge (W. H. Kidd Bridge) was opened on 5 August 1961 replacing an earlier Channon Street Bridge built in 1893. It was named after William (Billy) Kidd who was Chairman of the Widgee Shire Council.

However, there have been three bridges built at this Mary River Crossing over time. The first bridge crossing here was opening in 1878 named the “Channon Street Bridge”.

First Channon Street Bridge. Source: Historical Sketch of Gympie, 1867-1927

1878: First Bridge Opening – Channon Street Bridge

The Gympie Times, 26 January 1878

1893: Second Bridge Opening – Channon Street Bridge

The below photo is the scene prior to the official opening by then Governor of Queensland, Sir Henry Norman, at 10am on Wednesday, 11 October 1893. His excellency, the Governor was accompanied by the Mayor, Alderman J. L. Matthews, and driven to the bridge in a carraige escorted by mounted infantry.

Opening of the 1893 Channon Street Bridge

The arbour in the distance is the very ostentatious display by the Widgee Divisional Council welcoming one and all to the Widgee Division. Gympie had decorated a banner on the northern end of the bridge also which included flags and greenery. After the official ceremony, refreshments were “laid out under a covering of bushes on the South Side” and later the Governor proceeded to the Showgrounds to officially open the two day Show (The Gympie Times).

The 1893 Bridge was built by J. W. Mott for 1500 pounds.

1893 build of the Channon Street Bridge (2nd bridge)

1959: Planning of third (and present) Bridge

The Gympie Times, 4 July 1959, page 1

1960: New Channon Street Bridge Completed – To be named Kidd Bridge

The Gympie Times, 10 November 1960

1961: Third (and present) Bridge Opening – Kidd Bridge / W. H. Kidd Bridge

The third and present Kidd Bridge was officially opened on 5 August 1961. Below you can see the new Kidd Bridge on the left and the earlier Channon Street Bridge on the right.

The Gympie Times, 1961