Wallaby Rocks Bridge facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wallaby Rocks Bridge |
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Wallaby Rocks Bridge in 2019
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| Coordinates | 33°04′25″S 149°38′59″E / 33.0737°S 149.6496°E |
| Carries | Hill End Road
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| Crosses | Turon River |
| Locale | Wallaby Rocks near Sofala, Bathurst Region, New South Wales, Australia |
| Other name(s) |
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| Owner | Roads and Maritime Services |
| Characteristics | |
| Design | Allan truss |
| Material | Timber |
| Pier construction | Wrought iron cylinders |
| Total length | 91 metres (300 ft) |
| Width | 15 feet (5 m) |
| Longest span |
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| Number of spans | 4: 1 + 2 main + 1 |
| Piers in water | 2 |
| History | |
| Designer | Percy Allan |
| Constructed by | Messrs. Taylor and Murphy |
| Fabrication by | Mort's Dock (bridge cylinders) |
| Construction begin | 1896 |
| Construction end | 1897 |
| Construction cost | A£4,700 |
| Opened | 2 October 1897 |
| Inaugurated | 20 October 1897 |
| Official name | Bridge over Turon River at Wallaby Rocks |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 20 June 2000 |
| Reference no. | 1458 |
| Type | Road Bridge |
| Category | Transport – Land |
| Builders | E. Taylor, Balmain |
The Wallaby Rocks Bridge is a special old road bridge. It helps cars cross the Turon River near Wallaby Rocks. This area is close to Sofala in New South Wales, Australia.
The bridge was built in 1897 by E. Taylor of Balmain. It was designed by a famous engineer named Percy Allan. Today, the bridge is owned by the Roads and Maritime Services, a government group. It was added to a list of important historical places in 2000.
Contents
History of the Bridge
Timber bridges were super important for building roads in New South Wales. Before these bridges, crossing rivers was often dangerous. It was also very expensive to move goods like farm produce or mining materials. Only valuable items like wool could be moved easily.
Why Timber Bridges?
The government preferred timber bridges from the mid-1800s to the early 1900s. This was because they were cheaper to build. They also used mostly local materials. The government wanted to build many roads and bridges for as little money as possible. This meant they couldn't use iron or steel, which had to be brought in from England. Steel factories in Australia didn't open until the early 1900s.
The Allan Truss Design
The Allan truss was a new and smart design for timber bridges. It was the first time American design ideas were used in Australia. This showed that people in New South Wales were starting to think American ideas could be good too. The Allan truss design was strong and cheap. It made timber bridges the main type of bridge in New South Wales for 30 years.
Percy Allan was a top engineer for the Public Works Department. He was very important in New South Wales in the late 1800s. New South Wales was even known as the "timber bridge state" because there were so many timber bridges.
The Wallaby Rocks Bridge opened in October 1897. It was built by Messrs. Taylor and Murphy. The Roads and Maritime Services still takes care of it today.
What the Bridge Looks Like
The Wallaby Rocks Bridge is a timber bridge built with the Allan truss design. It has three main timber sections, each about 27.7 meters long. There are also smaller sections at each end. This makes the bridge about 91 meters long in total.
Bridge Structure
The timber sections of the bridge sit on strong, painted metal pillars. These pillars are made of cast iron cylinders. The smaller sections at the ends are held up by timber supports. The bridge has one lane for cars. It is about 4.5 meters wide. A wooden fence runs along the sides of the bridge for safety.
In 1998, the bridge was in good shape. However, it now carries more weight than it was first designed for. Even so, it is a great example of old bridge building.
Why the Bridge is Important
The Wallaby Rocks Bridge was finished in 1897. It is one of the oldest Allan-type timber bridges still around. In 1998, it was in good condition. This bridge connects us to important historical events. It shows how the road network grew in New South Wales. It also links to Percy Allan, the engineer who designed it.
Design Improvements
The Allan truss design was a big step forward for bridges. It was the third type of timber truss bridge used in New South Wales. It was much better than the older McDonald truss. Allan trusses were 20% cheaper to build. They could also hold 50% more weight. Plus, they were easier to look after.
The bridge has iron pillars, which is a special feature. It shows how things were made in the late 1800s. In 1998, there were 38 Allan trusses left out of 105 built. There were 82 timber truss road bridges left out of over 400 built. The Wallaby Rocks Bridge is a good example of an Allan timber truss bridge. It is important for its history and its design.
Heritage Listing Reasons
The Wallaby Rocks Bridge was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on June 20, 2000, for several reasons:
- It shows the history of New South Wales. The bridge is part of the story of how roads grew in NSW. It also shows how people started to accept American design ideas. And it's linked to Percy Allan, a key person in bridge building.
- It shows great design and skill. The bridge's design is clear and well-made. It looks beautiful in its natural setting. Its large size makes it stand out.
- It is important to the community. Timber bridges are easy for travelers to see. New South Wales was once called the "timber truss bridge state." Many people in NSW like these bridges. The Turon River Bridge is special to the people of Bathurst. It helps with heritage tourism in the area.
- It is rare. In 1998, only 38 Allan trusses were left out of 105 built. Only 82 timber truss road bridges were left out of over 400 built.
- It is a good example of its type. This bridge is a great example of an Allan truss bridge.
