Argyle Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Argyle Bridge |
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Argyle Bridge, The Rocks
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| Coordinates | 33°51′32″S 151°12′26″E / 33.8589°S 151.2071°E |
| Carries | Cumberland Street |
| Crosses | Argyle Street; Argyle Cut |
| Locale | The Rocks, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Owner | Property NSW |
| History | |
| Construction begin | 1911 |
| Construction end | 1912 |
| Official name: Argyle Bridge; Includes Argyle Stairs | |
| Type: | State heritage (built) |
| Designated: | 10 May 2002 |
| Reference #: | 1522 |
| Type: | Road Bridge |
| Category: | Transport - Land |
The Argyle Bridge is a historic road bridge in The Rocks, a suburb of Sydney, Australia. It carries Cumberland Street over Argyle Street and the famous Argyle Cut. This bridge was built between 1911 and 1912. It is also known to include the Argyle Stairs, which are a part of its heritage. The bridge is owned by Property NSW, a government agency in New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002, meaning it's officially recognized as an important historical site.
Contents
Bridge History: How It Was Built
The area where the Argyle Bridge stands has a long history. Before the current bridge, there were other bridges built nearby. These earlier bridges were for Gloucester Street (in 1862), Cumberland Street (in 1864), and Princes Street (in 1867-68).
The Princes Street Bridge was taken down when the Sydney Harbour Bridge was being built. A special stone from that bridge, which mentioned Charles Moore, was moved to the south wall of the Argyle Cut.
Sydney Harbour Trust Improvements
The Sydney Harbour Trust made many improvements to the area in the early 1900s. As part of these changes, Gloucester and Cumberland Streets were moved. The two old road bridges over the Argyle Cut were replaced by one new bridge at Cumberland Street. This new bridge, the Argyle Bridge, was built from 1911 to 1912.
This project also involved taking down some buildings, including parts of View Terrace. New supports for the bridge and the Argyle Stairs were built. In the 1950s, the side barrier (called a parapet) of the bridge directly over Argyle Street was replaced.
What the Argyle Bridge Looks Like
The Argyle Bridge is a road bridge built in 1911. It has strong supports (called abutments) on each side. You can see small, tall stone structures (like mini-pyramids, called pylons) at the start and end of the bridge. It also has its original light fittings, which are quite old!
The side barrier (parapet) of the bridge that goes over Argyle Street was changed in the 1950s. However, you can still see parts of the original barrier south of the main supports. In 2008, some cracks and damage were found in the concrete. These were fixed to keep the bridge strong and safe.
Bridge Condition and Repairs
In 2008, workers found some structural cracks and areas where the concrete was damaged. They carried out repairs to fix these issues. The bridge was also checked thoroughly for any other problems.
The parapet (side barrier) over Argyle Street was replaced in the 1950s. You can still see parts of the original parapet to the south of the bridge's main supports. The bridge is regularly inspected and maintained to keep it in good shape.
Changes Over Time
- 1950s: The side barrier (parapet) of the bridge was replaced.
- 2008: Major repairs were done to fix cracks and concrete damage.
Why the Argyle Bridge is Important
The Argyle Bridge is very important to the history and culture of New South Wales. It shows how town planning and city development happened in early Sydney. It also connects to the changes made for transportation, especially with the building of the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
The Argyle Bridge is a great example of the improvements made by the Sydney Harbour Trust in the early 1900s. It also shows how the roads and surrounding areas changed when the Sydney Harbour Bridge was built in the 1920s and 1930s.
Many people, both those who live in Sydney and visitors, really appreciate the Argyle Bridge. It adds a lot to the special look and feel of The Rocks area. It was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002 because of its historical and cultural value.
Historical Significance
The Argyle Bridge is important because it shows how Sydney's city planning and infrastructure improved in the early 1900s. It also highlights the big changes to roads and the surrounding area that came with building the Sydney Harbour Bridge.
Community Connection
The Argyle Bridge is part of The Rocks Conservation area, which is important to the community. People in Sydney and visitors value the Argyle Bridge. It helps give The Rocks its unique and historic character.
Research Potential
The Argyle Bridge can help us learn more about how Sydney's streets and urban areas developed. It also provides information about the history of transportation systems in The Rocks.
