Junction Bridge, Tumut facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Junction Bridge |
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|---|---|
| Coordinates | 35°18′58″S 148°15′49″E / 35.3162°S 148.2636°E |
| Carries | Tumut Plains Road |
| Crosses | Tumut River |
| Locale | Tumut, Snowy Valleys Council, New South Wales, Australia |
| Other name(s) | Shelley Bridge |
| Owner | Roads and Maritime Services |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | McDonald truss bridge |
| Material | Timber |
| Width | 4.57 metres (15.0 ft) |
| History | |
| Construction begin | 1893 |
| Construction end | June 1895 |
| Official name: Junction Bridge | |
| Type: | State heritage (built) |
| Designated: | 20 June 2000 |
| Reference #: | 1471 |
| Type: | Road Bridge |
| Category: | Transport - Land |
The Junction Bridge is a special road bridge in New South Wales, Australia. It crosses the Tumut River, connecting the towns of Tumut and Tumut Plains. This bridge is important because it's listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This means it's a historic structure worth protecting. It carries Tumut Plains Road and is owned by Roads and Maritime Services.
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Building the Bridge
Work on the Junction Bridge began in 1893. It was finished by June 1895. This new bridge replaced an older one. The old bridge was located just a little bit upstream.
What's in a Name?
The bridge was once called the Shelley Bridge. It was named after Mrs. George Shelley. She was the wife of one of Tumut's first settlers. He arrived in the area in 1832.
The name "Shelley Bridge" wasn't used for a long time. But in the late 1950s, a grandson of Mrs. Shelley asked for the name to be used again. He wanted to honor his grandmother. Even though there was no official record of the name, his request was approved. Signs were put up naming it Shelley's Bridge.
What the Junction Bridge Looks Like
The Junction Bridge is made of timber. It has four timber girder approach spans. These are the parts that lead up to the main bridge. It also has three McDonald truss spans. A truss is a strong framework, often shaped like triangles, that helps support the bridge.
The bridge is about 4.57 metres (15.0 ft) wide. This means it's wide enough for only one lane of traffic at a time. The original plans showed four timber spans on the Tumut side. There was no approach span on the other side. An extra approach span was added around 1975. This was because the river bank was wearing away.
Why is this Bridge Special?
The Junction Bridge is very important for its history and design. It is one of only five McDonald truss bridges left in New South Wales. This makes it quite rare. It's also the only one with three main truss spans.
This bridge was designed by important engineers from the NSW Public Works Department. They included Percy Allan, Harvey Dare, Ernest de Burgh, and John Bradfield. These engineers were famous for their bridge designs. The Junction Bridge was built using Australian native hardwoods. These are strong local timbers.
The bridge shows how timber truss bridge designs changed in Australia. Bridges like this helped create better roads across New South Wales in the late 1800s. The entire bridge is considered historically important. Its main truss spans are especially significant.
The Junction Bridge was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on June 20, 2000.
