Karuah River Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Karuah River Bridge |
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Monkerai Bridge, in 2014
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| Coordinates | 32°17′01″S 151°52′38″E / 32.2835°S 151.8772°E |
| Carries | Weismantels-Dingadee Road |
| Crosses | Karuah River |
| Locale | Monkerai, Mid-Coast Council, New South Wales, Australia |
| Other name(s) | Monkerai Bridge |
| Owner | Roads and Maritime Services |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Truss bridge |
| Material | Timber |
| Pier construction | Timber and concrete |
| Total length | 98.4 metres (323 ft) |
| Width | 4.9 metres (16 ft) |
| Number of spans | 6 |
| History | |
| Engineering design by | NSW Public Works Department |
| Construction end | 1882 |
| Official name: Monkerai Bridge over Karuah River; Karuah River bridge, Monkerai | |
| Type: | State heritage (built) |
| Designated: | 20 June 2000 |
| Reference #: | 1475 |
| Type: | Road Bridge |
| Category: | Transport - Land |
The Karuah River bridge is a special road bridge in New South Wales, Australia. It crosses the Karuah River at a place called Monkerai. This bridge is also known as the Monkerai Bridge. It is very old and important, so it is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This means it is protected because of its history and unique design. The bridge is looked after by Roads and Maritime Services.
Bridge History
Building the Bridge
This amazing bridge was finished way back in 1882. That makes it over 140 years old! It was built to help people travel across the Karuah River.
Keeping the Bridge Safe
In 2017, money was set aside to help restore the bridge. This plan will make sure the bridge stays strong and safe for the future. They also wanted to figure out the best way to use it going forward.
Bridge Design and Features
What the Bridge Looks Like
The Karuah River bridge carries the Weismantels-Dingadee Road. This road connects the towns of Dungog and Stroud. The bridge has six main sections, called spans. Three of these are approach spans, and three are truss spans.
Size and Materials
The bridge is about 98.4 meters (323 feet) long. Its road is about 4.9 meters (16 feet) wide. Most of the bridge is made from timber, which is wood. Some parts, like connectors and bolts, are made from metal.
Updates Over Time
Even though it's very old, the bridge has been carefully maintained. One of its supports, called a pier, was rebuilt with a concrete base. New timber decking was also added. The bridge is still considered to be in great shape. This is because timber truss bridges were designed so that wooden parts could be replaced when needed. When parts are replaced, they use the same type of wood. This helps the bridge keep its original look and strength.
Why This Bridge is Special
A Heritage Treasure
The Monkerai Bridge is one of the most important bridges in New South Wales. It is considered very special for its history and how it was built. It is listed as important at a State level.
Historical Importance
- Second Oldest: This bridge is the second oldest timber truss bridge still standing in New South Wales.
- Rare Design: It is a very rare example of an "Old PWD truss bridge." These were the first type of timber truss bridges built in New South Wales.
- Early Designs: The design of this bridge connects to very old European bridge designs. Some of these designs can be traced back to a famous Italian architect from the 1500s, Andrea Palladio.
- Road Network Growth: The bridge shows how the road network in New South Wales grew. This helped new towns and areas develop.
- Local Materials: Its design also shows how builders used local wood. This was important to save money on importing iron.
Important People
The bridge is linked to William Bennett. He was a key person in public works. He designed the "Old PWD truss" and is known as the "father" of timber truss bridges in New South Wales.
Beautiful Design
The bridge looks very nice. You can clearly see how it was built. The angular shapes of the truss design are pleasing to the eye. The bridge is in a beautiful area with rolling hills and valleys. It fits in well with the natural landscape.
Community Connection
The bridge is important to the people of Monkerai. It helps them travel and is a local landmark. It also plays a role in the road network of the Hunter Region. Timber truss bridges are a big part of New South Wales's identity. New South Wales was the only Australian state to use so many timber truss bridges in the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Learning from the Bridge
This bridge is very important for learning about engineering. It is a rare example of an "Old PWD truss bridge." By studying this bridge and others like it, experts can learn how bridge designs improved over time.
A Rare Survivor
The Monkerai Bridge is very rare. Only two "Old PWD truss bridges" are still standing today. Out of 147 that were built, this bridge is one of the few survivors. It shows how these early timber truss bridges were designed and built. Even with some changes for safety, the main parts of the bridge still look like the original design.
