Parramatta River railway bridge, Meadowbank facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Parramatta River railway bridge, Meadowbank |
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The Parramatta River railway bridge in 2014
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| Location | Main Northern railway line, Meadowbank and Rhodes, City of Canada Bay, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1886 |
| Architect | John Whitton |
| Owner | RailCorp |
| Official name: Meadowbank Rail Bridge over Parramatta River; John Whitton Bridge; Meadowbank Rhodes Railway Bridge | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 1189 |
| Type | Railway Bridge/ Viaduct |
| Category | Transport - Rail |
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The Parramatta River railway bridge is a really old and important bridge in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It used to carry trains across the Parramatta River between the areas of Meadowbank and Rhodes. Today, it's no longer used for trains but has been turned into a path for walking and cycling!
This special bridge was designed by John Whitton and finished in 1886. It's also known by other names like the Meadowbank Rail Bridge over Parramatta River or the Meadowbank-Rhodes Railway Bridge. It's owned by RailCorp, which is a government group in New South Wales. Because it's so important, it was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Contents
A Bridge Through Time
Building the Bridge
The Parramatta River railway bridge was built a long time ago, in 1886. Imagine how different Sydney must have looked back then! This bridge was a big deal for connecting different parts of the city by train.
From Trains to Trails
For many years, the bridge was busy carrying trains. But in 1980, a new bridge was built right next to it. This new bridge, called the John Whitton Bridge, took over the job of carrying the trains.
So, the old Parramatta River railway bridge wasn't used for trains anymore. It sat empty for about 20 years! Then, before the 2000 Summer Olympics were held in Sydney, it was given a new life. It was changed into a special path for people to walk and ride bikes.
Keeping the Bridge Safe
In 2016, some local leaders and politicians noticed that the bridge was starting to look a bit worn out. They asked the government to help pay for repairs and make sure the bridge would be looked after for many more years. It's important to keep these old structures safe and usable!
Why This Bridge is Special
An Amazing Design
The Meadowbank-Rhodes bridge is one of only twelve bridges like it that are still standing in the New South Wales railway system. What makes it so special is its "double lattice girder" design. This means the main parts of the bridge that hold it up have a criss-cross pattern, like a lattice. This design was very popular for a short time because it was strong and could be adjusted for different forces.
A Piece of History
This bridge is the biggest double-track lattice girder bridge that was made in England and then shipped all the way to Australia! It also has some unique features that make it different from other bridges of its kind.
Many people think this bridge is one of the most beautiful railway structures built in Australia during the 1800s. It shows great skill in its design, how materials were used, and the quality of the work. The Meadowbank-Rhodes bridge is truly an amazing example of early Australian railway engineering.
Because of all these reasons, the Meadowbank Rail Bridge over Parramatta River was officially listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999. This means it's protected and recognized as an important part of history.
Engineering Award
The bridge is so important that it even received a special award! It got a Historic Engineering Marker from Engineers Australia. This award is given to important engineering projects that have made a big difference in history.
