Murray River bridge, Barham facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Murray River Bridge, Barham |
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Barham Bridge in 2012
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| Coordinates | 35°37′50″S 144°07′29″E / 35.6305°S 144.1247°E |
| Carries | Main Road |
| Crosses | Murray River |
| Locale | Barham, Murray River Council, New South Wales, Australia |
| Other name(s) |
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| Owner | Murray River Council |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Truss bridge with a lift span |
| Material | Timber |
| Trough construction | Steel and timber |
| Pier construction | Timber and cast iron |
| Longest span | 17.8 metres (58 ft) |
| Number of spans | 3 |
| Clearance below | 5.1 metres (17 ft) |
| History | |
| Designer | Ernest de Burgh |
| Contracted lead designer | NSW Department of Public Works |
| Constructed by | John Monash and Anderson |
| Construction begin | 1903 |
| Opened | 1905 |
| Official name: Barham Bridge over Murray River; Barham bridge | |
| Type: | State heritage (built) |
| Designated: | 20 June 2000 |
| Reference #: | 1456 |
| Type: | Road Bridge |
| Category: | Transport - Land |
| Builders: | John Monash and Anderson |
The Murray River Bridge is a special road bridge that crosses the Murray River at Barham, in New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by the Department of Public Works and built in 1904 by John Monash. This bridge is also known as the Barham Bridge over Murray River or simply the Barham Bridge. It is owned by the Murray River Council and was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 20 June 2000 because of its historical importance.
Contents
A Look Back: How the Bridge Came to Be
Early Days and the Need for a Crossing
In the 1840s, people started settling around the Murray River near Barham. Many of these settlers came from Victoria. By 1850, most of the good land along the river was taken.
The Barham area was mainly used for raising cattle. As more people and animals moved around, they needed a way to cross the Murray River. At first, a ferry helped people and livestock get across.
Building the Bridge
By 1902, everyone agreed that a proper bridge was needed. Local politicians worked hard to convince both the NSW and Commonwealth governments to build it. They decided to build a bridge with a special "lift span."
Work on the bridge began in 1903, with the first support poles being put into the river. The bridge was officially opened in 1905, making travel much easier.
How the Bridge Helped the Area Grow
Barham is located in the Wakool Irrigation District. This area was set up in 1935 to help farmers get water for their crops and animals. This was the first district of its kind in New South Wales.
Later, around 1949, a special irrigation area was created that made it possible to grow rice. Growing rice meant more heavy trucks needed to cross the bridge, showing how important the bridge was for local farming and transport.
What Makes the Barham Bridge Special?
Design and Materials
The Barham Bridge is a unique mix of timber and steel. It is a truss bridge with a steel lift span. A truss bridge uses a framework of triangles to make it strong. A lift span is a part of the bridge that can be raised to let boats pass underneath.
The bridge usually has two lanes for traffic. It connects Barham in New South Wales with Koondrook in Victoria.
How the Lift Span Works
The bridge has three main sections, including the lift span, which is about 17.8 metres (58 ft) (about 58 feet) long. This lift span is made of strong steel in a criss-cross pattern, like a lattice.
The design of the lift span is similar to one developed by Percy Allan, an engineer, many years before. However, the Barham Bridge has some unique features. For example, its counterweights (heavy weights that help lift the span) are placed differently. Also, the steel beams at the top of the bridge are curved and decorated, which is unusual.
The Strong Structure
The other two main sections of the bridge are about 31.7 metres (104 ft) (about 104 feet) long. These sections use timber trusses designed by Ernest de Burgh, another famous engineer. His design was an improved version of the Allan truss, using steel at the bottom for extra strength.
The bridge deck, where cars drive, is made of timber. There are also shorter timber sections at each end of the bridge, about 9.1 metres (30 ft) (about 30 feet) long. These are supported by timber poles.
Part of the bridge deck has a special section for people walking, with a small barrier and a handrail. The main supports of the bridge, called piers, are made of cast iron and are protected from the water. The bridge has a clearance of 5.1 metres (17 ft) (about 16.7 feet) above the normal water level.
Bridge Condition
As of 1998, the Barham Bridge was in good shape. It had been repaired quite a bit in the years before, especially its timber truss sections, to keep it strong and safe.
Why the Barham Bridge is Important
A Piece of History and Engineering
The Barham Bridge is important for many reasons. It shows how bridge design changed over time in Australia. The type of timber bridge designed by Ernest de Burgh was only built for a short time, between 1899 and 1904. Only nine of these bridges are left, and only two of them, Barham and Cobram, have lift spans.
The bridge also has a special connection to John Monash, who helped build it. Monash is known as one of Australia's most famous engineers and soldiers.
A Beautiful Landmark
The Barham Bridge is also important for its beauty and how it stands out. It acts like a gateway to New South Wales and the town of Barham. Because it is so tall and big, it is a major landmark in the area.
The bridge's location is very pretty, right on the edge of town, crossing the river surrounded by park-like land and trees.
Connecting Communities
The Barham Bridge is very important to the people living in Barham and Koondrook. It's the main link between these two towns, which are in different states (NSW and Victoria). People often cross the bridge to get to shops or services that might only be in one town.
The bridge is also a central point between the town and the river, which is a big part of life and recreation in the area. When river boats pass through and the lift span opens, many people gather to watch. It reminds everyone of the river's history and importance.
Engineering Recognition
The Barham Bridge has been recognized for its engineering importance. Engineers Australia gave it a Historic Engineering Marker as part of their program to highlight important engineering achievements.
