Macquarie River railway bridge, Bathurst facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Macquarie River railway bridge, Bathurst |
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The disused railway bridge, pictured in 2018
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| Coordinates | 33°25′23″S 149°35′26″E / 33.4231°S 149.5905°E |
| Carries | Main Western line (1876-c. 2005) |
| Crosses | Macquarie River |
| Locale | Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia |
| Owner | Transport Asset Holding Entity |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Lattice girder bridge |
| Material | Wrought iron |
| History | |
| Designer | Sir John Fowler for John Whitton |
| Constructed by | William Mason |
| Fabrication by | Britannia Ironworks, Derby, England |
| Construction end | 1876 |
| Opened | April 1976 |
| Closed | c. 2005 |
| Official name: Bathurst rail bridge over Macquarie River; Bathurst - Kelso Railway Bridge | |
| Type: | State heritage (built) |
| Designated: | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference #: | 1025 |
| Type: | Railway Bridge/ Viaduct |
| Category: | Transport - Rail |
The Macquarie River railway bridge is an old train bridge in Bathurst, Australia. It crosses the Macquarie River. This bridge was once part of the important Main Western railway line. It was built a long time ago, in 1876. Today, the bridge is no longer used for trains. It is also known as the Bathurst Rail Bridge over Macquarie River or the Bathurst - Kelso Railway Bridge.
This bridge is very special because it is heritage-listed. This means it is protected due to its historical importance. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 1999.
Contents
History of the Bridge
Building the Railway Line
The Macquarie River railway bridge opened in April 1876. This happened when the railway line was extended into the town of Bathurst. It was a big step for transport in the area.
Who Designed and Built It?
The bridge was designed by John Whitton. He was a famous engineer. The metal parts of the bridge were made in England. They were created by a company called Andrew Handyside & Co. in Derby. A contractor named William Mason brought these parts to Australia.
An Important Engineering Feat
This bridge was a huge achievement for its time. It has three main sections, each about 48.5 meters (159 feet) long. These sections are made of a special criss-cross pattern called a lattice truss. The Bathurst bridge is the second of twelve similar bridges built between 1871 and 1887. It is the oldest of the eleven that are still standing today.
The bridge is also one of the oldest metal truss bridges in Australia. When it was finished in 1876, only a few other metal bridges were longer. This makes the Macquarie River railway bridge a very important historical structure. Its design was even approved by Sir John Fowler, who helped design the famous Forth Bridge in Scotland.
What the Bridge Looks Like
Materials and Structure
The Macquarie River bridge is made of a strong metal called wrought iron. It has a unique lattice girder design. This means the metal beams are arranged in a criss-cross pattern. The bridge was built to carry a single railway track.
The main parts of the bridge are called "through type lattice trusses." They are continuous over the three main sections. These sections are connected above the track by arched, criss-crossed metal braces. The bridge rests on two strong, round piers made of cast iron.
When It Was Used
The bridge was tested on March 8, 1876, to make sure it was safe. It officially started carrying trains on April 4, 1876. It was used for many years.
The New Bridge
Around 2005, a new concrete bridge was built. This new bridge is located just a few meters upstream from the old heritage-listed bridge. The old Macquarie River railway bridge is no longer used for trains.
Why the Bridge is Special
A Heritage-Listed Landmark
The Bathurst rail bridge over the Macquarie River is a very important historical site. It is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This means it is protected because of its special history and design.
A Unique Design
This bridge is one of John Whitton's major bridges from the 1870s. It is a great example of how bridges were built back then. The lattice girder design was a new and important way to build bridges in New South Wales. It was the third type of bridge construction used in the area, after stone and iron tube bridges.
Rare and Important
The bridge is considered rare because of its age and design. It shows how engineering and construction have changed over time. It is a valuable part of Australia's cultural and historical past.
Gallery
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The heritage-listed bridge (right) and the replacement concrete girder bridge (left), looking east.
