Beckers Bridge over Webbers Creek facts for kids
{{Infobox bridge | name = Beckers Bridge over Webbers Creek | native_name = | native_name_lang = | image = | image_upright = | alt = | caption = | pushpin_map = New South Wales | pushpin_relief = yes | pushpin_map_size = 240 | pushpin_map_alt = | pushpin_map_caption = Location in New South Wales | coordinates = 32°31′09″S 151°21′08″E / 32.5193°S 151.3523°E | os_grid_reference = | qid = | refs = | carries = Main Road | crosses = Webbers Creek | locale = Glendon Brook, Singleton Council, New South Wales, Australia | starts = | ends = | official_name = | other_name = | named_for = | owner = Roads and Maritime Services | maint = | heritage = | id = | id_type = | website = | preceded = | followed = | design = Truss bridge | material = Timber | material1 = | material2 = | length = 45.4 metres (149 ft) | width = 4.6 metres (15 ft) | height = | depth = | traversable = | towpath = | mainspan = 27.7 metres (91 ft) | number_spans = One | piers_in_water = | load = | clearance_above = | clearance_below = | lanes = | life = | first_length = | first_diameter = | second_length = | second_diameter = | third_length = | third_diameter = | capacity = | num_track = | track_gauge = | structure_gauge = | electrification = | architect = | designer = Ernest de Burgh | contracted_designer = | winner = | engineering = | builder = | fabricator = | begin = | complete = | cost = A£1,875 | open = 1902 | inaugurated = | rebuilt = | collapsed = | closed = | replaces = | replaced_by = | traffic = | toll = | map_type = | map_relief = | map_dot_label = | map_image = | map_size = | map_alt = | mapframe = yes | mapframe_zoom = 14 | mapframe_width = | mapframe_height = | mapframe_marker = | mapframe_marker_color = | mapframe_lat = | mapframe_long = | map_caption = | extra =
} The Beckers Bridge over Webbers Creekis a special old bridge in Glendon Brook, New South Wales, Australia. It's made of timber and is a type called a truss bridge. This bridge helps Main Road cross over Webbers Creek. The bridge was designed by a famous engineer named Ernest de Burgh. It's so important that it was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Registeron June 20, 2000. This means it's a protected historical site!
Contents
| Official name | Beckers Bridge over Webbers Creek |
|---|---|
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 20 June 2000 |
| Reference no. | 1457 |
| Type | Road Bridge |
| Category | Transport - Land |
History of Beckers Bridge
Why Timber Bridges Were Built
For a long time, crossing rivers in New South Wales could be very tricky, especially when it rained. This made it hard and expensive to move goods like farm produce or mining materials. Only valuable items like wool could be moved easily.
The government in the past wanted to build roads and bridges without spending too much money. So, they chose to use timber because it was cheap and could be found locally. This meant they didn't have to buy expensive iron or steel from other countries, which was important before steel factories were built in Australia.
Ernest de Burgh's Role
Ernest de Burgh was a very important engineer for the Public Works Department. He designed many bridges, including the Beckers Bridge. His designs helped improve how people traveled and moved goods across New South Wales in the early 1900s. In fact, New South Wales was once known as the "timber bridge state" because there were so many timber bridges!
Building Beckers Bridge
The Beckers Bridge was planned in 1901. A company called W. T. Oakes won the job to build it for about A£1,875. The bridge was finished in 1902. It was a big help because it meant people no longer had to cross Webbers Creek at water level, which could be dangerous.
The Bridge Today
Even though Beckers Bridge is a historic landmark, it faces some challenges. Reports have shown that it might not be strong enough for today's heavy traffic. Because of this, there have been talks about replacing it with a new bridge. However, many people want to keep the old bridge because of its history and special design. It's still being decided what will happen to this important piece of history.
What Beckers Bridge Looks Like
Beckers Bridge is a DeBurgh type timber truss bridge. A truss bridge uses a special framework of triangles to make it strong.
- It has one main timber truss section that is about 27.7 meters (91 feet) long.
- There are also shorter timber sections at each end, making the total length of the bridge about 45.4 meters (149 feet).
- The bridge is supported by strong timber posts.
- The road on the bridge is about 4.6 meters (15 feet) wide.
- It has a timber fence along the sides to keep people and vehicles safe.
Why Beckers Bridge is Special
Beckers Bridge was built in 1902, making it an early example of a DeBurgh timber truss bridge. It was in good condition in 1998.
Historical Importance
This bridge shows how the road network in New South Wales grew over time. It also shows how new ideas, like American bridge designs, were used in Australia. Because Ernest de Burgh designed it, the bridge is linked to an important person in Australian engineering history. DeBurgh truss bridges were a big step forward in bridge design because they started using more steel and iron, even though these materials were expensive back then.
Design and Beauty
The bridge's design is very clever, and you can clearly see all the parts that make it strong. It also looks nice in the landscape around it.
Community Connection
Timber truss bridges like Beckers Bridge are a familiar sight for people traveling in New South Wales. Many people feel a connection to these bridges, which is why New South Wales was once called the "timber truss bridge state."
Rarity
Beckers Bridge is quite rare today. It's one of the few remaining DeBurgh truss bridges. Out of about 20 DeBurgh trusses built, only 10 were left in 1998. And out of over 400 timber truss road bridges built, only 82 survived. This makes Beckers Bridge a special example of its kind.
The Beckers Bridge over Webbers Creek was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on June 20, 2000, because it meets several important heritage rules:
- It shows how history unfolded in New South Wales: The bridge is connected to the growth of roads, the acceptance of new design ideas, and the work of Ernest DeBurgh.
- It shows great technical skill: The bridge's design is excellent, and it looks good in its surroundings.
- It has a special meaning to the community: Many people in New South Wales value these timber bridges.
- It is a rare example: It's an early and uncommon type of DeBurgh truss bridge.
- It represents a type of place: It's a good example of what DeBurgh truss bridges are like.
