Cooerwull railway footbridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cooerwull railway footbridge |
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The relocated A-frame timber footbridge, pictured at its new location at the Top Points site, Zig Zag Railway above Locomotive 1049, Stormin' Normin, in 2008.
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| Coordinates | Cooerwull 33°29′01″S 150°08′36″E / 33.483530°S 150.143428°E |
| Carries | Pedestrian |
| Crosses | Main Western line |
| Locale | Lithgow |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | truss |
| Material | wood |
| Number of spans | 1 |
| History | |
| Construction begin | 1941 |
| Construction end | 1941 |
| Collapsed | 2002 |
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| Location | Top Points, Zig Zag Railway, Lithgow, City of Lithgow, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 2002 |
| Official name: Cooerwull Railway footbridge | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 01115 |
| Type | Foot Bridge |
| Category | Transport - Rail |
The Cooerwull railway footbridge is a special pedestrian bridge. It is located at Top Points Station on the Zig Zag Railway near Lithgow, Australia. This bridge was built in 1941. It is now recognized as a heritage site. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999.
Contents
History of the Cooerwull Bridge
Building the Bridge in Wartime
The Cooerwull footbridge was first built in 1941. It was a simple, low-cost bridge made of timber. Its main purpose was to help workers. They used it to cross the railway tracks. These workers were going to the nearby Lithgow Small Arms Factory. This factory made weapons during World War II. The bridge was meant to be temporary.
From Factory Bridge to Public Use
The Small Arms Factory closed down in 1974. But the footbridge was still kept for people to use. Later, in 1995, a new bridge was built. This new bridge was made of steel and concrete. It replaced the old timber footbridge.
Moving the Historic Bridge
The State Rail Authority knew the old A-frame timber bridge was important. It had a special history. So, they decided to keep it safe. They placed it near its original spot. Then, in 2002, the Zig Zag Railway stepped in. They arranged to move the bridge. It was taken to Top Points Station. Here, it could be displayed and preserved. People can still see and use it today.
What the Bridge Looks Like
The Cooerwull railway footbridge is made of timber. It has a unique A-frame design. This means its main supports look like the letter "A". It was originally built over railway tracks at Cooerwull. Now, you can find it at the Top Points site of the Zig Zag Railway.
Why This Bridge is Special
A Rare Timber Bridge
The Cooerwull railway footbridge is very rare. It is the only A-frame timber bridge of its kind in New South Wales. This simple design used local materials. It shows how things were built quickly and cheaply during wartime.
Connecting to History
This bridge is important because of its history. It was built specifically for the workers of the Lithgow Small Arms Factory. This factory played a big role during World War II. The bridge reminds us of that time. It also shows how "temporary" structures can become lasting parts of history.
A Unique Design
The bridge's A-frame design is quite special. It shows a simple yet clever way of building. Even though it was meant to be temporary, its design makes it stand out.
Social Significance
The footbridge also has meaning for people. Especially for those who worked at the Small Arms Factory. It was a part of their daily lives. It connects them to their past work and community.
