Taradale Viaduct facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Taradale Viaduct |
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Taradale Viaduct
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| Coordinates | 37°08′29″S 144°21′25″E / 37.14126°S 144.35688°E |
| Carries | Bendigo railway line |
| Crosses | Back Creek |
| Locale | Taradale, Victoria, Australia |
| Owner | VicTrack |
| Characteristics | |
| Total length | 271 m (889 ft) |
| Height | 33 m (108 ft) |
| History | |
| Constructed by | Victorian Railways Construction Branch |
| Fabrication by | Rowland Brotherhood |
| Construction begin | 1858 |
| Construction end | 1862 |
The Taradale Viaduct is a very old and important railway bridge in Victoria, Australia. It is located near Taradale, Victoria and crosses over Back Creek. This bridge is made of strong wrought iron and was built between 1858 and 1861. When it was finished, it was one of the biggest railway bridges in Australia!
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Building the Taradale Viaduct
The idea for the railway line, which includes the Taradale Viaduct, started in 1858. A private company called the Melbourne, Mount Alexander and Murray River Railway Company began the project. However, they soon ran into money problems and couldn't finish the work.
In 1860, the government of Victoria stepped in and bought the company. They created the Victorian Railways Department to take over the railway construction. This was a huge project for the young colony.
Who Designed and Built It?
After the government took over, Captain Andrew Clarke became very important in designing the railway. He was the Surveyor-General of Victoria. The specific designs for the bridges, including the Taradale Viaduct, were completed by Bryson and O'Hara.
The iron parts for the bridge were made by a company called Rowland Brotherhood in England. A famous British railway engineer, Isambard Kingdom Brunel, helped supervise this work. The first stone of the bridge was laid on September 25, 1861.
The main construction contract for this part of the railway line was given to a company called Cornish and Bruce. They started work on June 1, 1858. It was a massive undertaking!
Keeping the Bridge Strong
Over time, trains became much heavier. To make sure the Taradale Viaduct could still safely carry these bigger trains, it needed to be made stronger. In 1933 and 1934, steel supports were added between the original stone piers (the strong pillars that hold up the bridge).
A Historic Landmark
The Taradale Viaduct is not just an old bridge; it's a piece of history! It is officially recognized as an important heritage site in Victoria. You can find it on the Victorian Heritage Register (number H1595) and the National Trust Register. This means it's protected so future generations can learn about its past.
