McKanes Falls Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids McKanes Falls Bridge |
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Heritage boundaries
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| Coordinates | 33°32′58″S 150°07′28″E / 33.5495°S 150.1244°E |
| Carries | McKanes Falls Road |
| Crosses | Coxs River |
| Locale | South Bowenfels, City of Lithgow, New South Wales, Australia |
| Other name(s) | McKanes Bridg |
| Named for | Archibald McKane |
| Owner | Roads and Maritime Services |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Truss bridge |
| Material | Timber with sandstone abutments |
| Trough construction | Concrete and stone |
| Pier construction | Concrete |
| Total length | 55 metres (180 ft) |
| Width | 4.57 metres (15.0 ft) |
| Longest span | 27 metres (90 ft) |
| Number of spans | 2 |
| History | |
| Engineering design by | John McDonald (NSW Engineer for Bridges) |
| Construction begin | 1892 |
| Construction end | 1893 |
| Official name | McKanes Falls Bridge; McKanes Bridge |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 20 June 2000 |
| Reference no. | 1473 |
| Type | Road Bridge |
| Category | Transport - Land |
| Builders | NSW Public Works |
The McKanes Falls Bridge is a special road bridge located on McKanes Falls Road in South Bowenfels, Australia. It was designed by John McDonald and the NSW Engineer for Bridges. The bridge was built between 1892 and 1893 by the NSW Public Works department. It is also known as McKanes Bridge. This historic bridge is owned by Roads and Maritime Services, a government agency in New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on June 20, 2000, meaning it's a very important part of the state's history and heritage.
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The Bridge's Story
The McKanes Falls Bridge was built using a special design called the McDonald Truss. This design was created by John A. McDonald. It was very important during a time when New South Wales needed many new bridges. Back then, the government wanted to connect farms and towns in inland Australia to the main railway lines in Sydney. This helped move goods and people more easily.
Building many bridges needed a design that was both strong and affordable. The McDonald Truss was the perfect solution. It helped solve technical problems with older bridge designs and saved money.
The bridge and the area around it are likely named after Archibald McKane. He was a skilled carpenter and overseer in the 1830s. He even went on expeditions with famous explorer Thomas Mitchell.
The road where the bridge stands was built in the late 1870s. It connected Bowenfels and Hampton. By the early 1890s, more people were using the road. This was partly because of tourists visiting Jenolan Caves and partly because of increased farm production, especially wool. Because of this, the road was improved, and the McKanes Falls Bridge was built in 1893.
Plans for the bridge over the Coxs River started in September 1891, and construction began in 1892. The bridge was built to make the journey shorter for traffic going from Bowenfels to Lowther, Hampton, and Jenolan Falls. Before this bridge, people had to take a longer route through Hartley.
What the Bridge Looks Like
The McKanes Falls Bridge has two main sections, each about 27-metre (90 ft) long. These sections are called truss spans. A truss is a strong framework, usually made of triangles, that helps support the bridge.
The ends of the bridge rest on strong sandstone supports called abutments. In the middle, there used to be a stone support, but it was replaced with a reinforced concrete support in the 1980s after a big flood.
The bridge is about 4.57 metres (15.0 ft) wide at its narrowest point. It's only for vehicles, so there isn't a separate path for people to walk on. The bridge deck, which is the part you drive on, is made of timber beams that run across the bridge. These beams support the timber planks that make up the road surface.
How the Bridge Has Changed
The McKanes Falls Bridge has been well-maintained over the years. It is generally in good condition thanks to major repairs. While the overall design of the truss remains true to the original, many of the timber parts have been replaced over time as part of regular maintenance.
Here are some of the changes and repairs the bridge has had:
- Around 1925: New timber decking was added.
- 1934: The bridge was tightened up.
- 1941: Some squared timber parts were taken apart and put back together.
- 1951-1986: Many repairs and maintenance jobs were done.
- 1986: The original stone support in the middle was replaced with a new concrete one after a severe flood.
- Since 1986: A metal cover has been placed over the top parts of the trusses to help shed water and protect the timber. The bridge gets regular maintenance from the Roads and Maritime Services.
Why This Bridge is Important
The McKanes Falls Bridge is a special example of a McDonald timber truss road bridge. These types of bridges were very common in New South Wales. This was because there was plenty of high-quality local hardwood timber, and steel was hard to get when the state was first being settled. New South Wales became very good at building timber truss bridges, perhaps more so than anywhere else in the world at that time.
The McDonald truss design was a key step in how timber road bridges developed in New South Wales. This design came in three standard lengths: 20 metres (65 ft), 23 metres (75 ft), and 27 metres (90 ft). In 1998, only seven McDonald truss road bridges were left in New South Wales. The McKanes Falls Bridge is one of only two with a 27.43-metre (90 ft) span and one of only two that has a double span. Because of its unique design and history, the bridge is considered important to the entire state.
The McKanes Falls Bridge was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on June 20, 2000, because it meets several important criteria.
A Link to the Past
McDonald truss bridges show us how New South Wales developed. They represent the highest level of timber bridge construction for their time. The McDonald truss is a distinct design in the history of timber bridges in NSW. The bridge also connects to the local community's history. Its possible link to Archibald McKane and his work with explorer Thomas Mitchell adds to its historical value. The bridge is a reminder of the NSW government's plans in the late 1800s to boost farming and trade across the state. It is also connected to John A. McDonald, who designed the McDonald Truss and was a key person in bridge design and building in NSW.
Its Unique Design and Look
McDonald truss bridges have a special beauty. They remind us of Australian bridge-building methods, showing how people used local materials and technology in the 1800s. For their time, they were examples of the best design available. The dark green paint and its location in a valley make the bridge blend in well with the natural surroundings. The McKanes Falls Bridge is an excellent example of a twin-span McDonald Truss bridge. Its size and natural materials help it fit perfectly into the landscape.
Important to the Community
McDonald truss bridges are important to local communities because of their size and location. They are a strong feature in the local environment. Even though McKanes Bridge is in a quiet farming area with few nearby residents, it is well-known to children in the wider community because it's part of local school bus routes. Since it was built in 1893, the bridge has been an important part of one of the old routes to the Jenolan Caves tourist area. It played a big role for people living, working, and holidaying in the area by providing better access from Bowenfels to Lowther, Hampton, and Jenolan Falls.
A Rare Find
The McKanes Falls Bridge is one of only six McDonald truss bridges still standing. It is one of only two bridges with a 27-metre (90 ft) span. It is also one of the very few timber truss bridges left in the Lithgow area. It is the only surviving example of a twin-span McDonald Truss road bridge in New South Wales and one of only five still in use in the state.
A Great Example
This bridge is a great example of a two-span, 27-metre (90 ft) McDonald truss bridge. It represents the first truss bridge design that can be called truly Australian, because it was designed locally and used native timbers. It is an example of a design that led to a fast increase in bridge building across New South Wales. It's also an excellent example of a twin-span McDonald Truss in good condition and easy to visit.
Engineering Heritage Award
The McKanes Falls Bridge received a Historic Engineering Marker from Engineers Australia. This award is part of their Engineering Heritage Recognition Program, which recognizes important engineering achievements.
