Wolli Creek Aqueduct facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wolli Creek Aqueduct |
|
|---|---|
Wolli Creek Aqueduct, 2006
|
|
| Location | Unwin Street, Earlwood, City of Canterbury-Bankstown, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1895 |
| Architect | NSW Public Works Department |
| Owner | Sydney Water |
| Official name: Wolli Creek Aqueduct | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 18 November 1999 |
| Reference no. | 1355 |
| Type | Sewage Aqueduct |
| Category | Utilities - Sewerage |
| Builders | Public Works Department |
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
The Wolli Creek Aqueduct is a special bridge that carries pipes instead of cars or trains. It's located in Earlwood, New South Wales, Australia. This amazing structure was built to carry sewage (wastewater) across Wolli Creek.
It was designed and built in 1895 by the NSW Public Works Department. Today, Sydney Water owns and looks after it. Because of its importance and unique design, the aqueduct was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 18 November 1999. This means it's protected as an important historical site.
Contents
Building the Wolli Creek Aqueduct
The Wolli Creek Aqueduct was finished in 1895. It was a key part of a huge project called the Western Main Sewer. This system was later known as the Southern and Western Suburbs Ocean Outfall Sewer No. 1 (SWSOOS). Its main job was to collect and carry sewage from Sydney's western suburbs.
Why Sydney Needed a New Sewer System
As Sydney grew, more people meant more wastewater. The city needed a better way to manage sewage to keep everyone healthy. So, engineers from the Public Works Department planned a large sewer system. This system would stretch from Rockdale to Marrickville.
Designing and Constructing the Aqueduct
The design for the aqueduct was ready by late 1890. Robert Hickson, a famous engineer, was in charge of the department at that time. Building the sewer was a big job. It involved digging long tunnels and building several aqueducts. These aqueducts were needed to carry the pipes over rivers and valleys. The Wolli Creek Aqueduct was one of these important structures.
The company J. F. Carson was given the contract to build the aqueducts. The Wolli Creek Aqueduct was designed similarly to another one over the Cooks River. It was planned to carry three large pipes, each about 1.8 metres (6 feet) wide.
How the Aqueduct Was Built
The aqueduct is about 220 metres (720 feet) long. It has different parts:
- Brick Arches: These are made of strong brick and concrete. They are decorated with special white and red bricks.
- Steel Bridges: Two sections are made of steel lattice girders. These are like strong metal frameworks. They carry the pipes over the widest part of the creek.
- Pipes: The original pipes were made of wrought iron. A third pipe, made of steel, was added in 1929.
The brick arches stand on strong concrete foundations. These foundations are supported by timber piles driven into the ground. The steel bridge sections are held up by two round metal piers. Special joints were included to allow the structure to expand and contract with temperature changes.
Keeping the Aqueduct Working
Over the years, the aqueduct has been well-maintained. Between 1981 and 1984, the pipes were repaired and coated with a modern fibreglass lining. Any damaged steel parts on the bridges were also replaced. Fences were put up to keep people safe and prevent them from climbing on the structure.
What the Aqueduct Looks Like
The Wolli Creek Aqueduct is a very impressive sight. It has three large pipes that carry the sewage. These pipes are supported by a series of beautiful brick arches and strong steel bridges.
Decorative Details
The brick arches are especially eye-catching. They use white glazed bricks laid in a pattern called English bond. Red bricks are used to create decorative shapes and patterns. The parts where the arches begin, and the top edges, are made of dressed sandstone.
The aqueduct starts from a brick wall near Unwin Street in Undercliffe. It then crosses Wolli Creek on the steel bridges. After that, it continues over the brick arches, passing under the East Hills railway line. It finally reaches arches and an embankment near Turrella. It's a large and important structure that stands out in the Wolli Creek valley.
Why the Aqueduct is Important
The Wolli Creek Aqueduct is listed as a heritage site for several reasons. This means it's considered very important to the history and culture of New South Wales.
A Piece of History
The aqueduct is a key part of Sydney's early sewerage system. This system was vital for public health in the growing city. Its design by Robert Hickson, a founding member of Sydney Water, also adds to its historical value. It shows how engineers solved big problems more than a hundred years ago.
Beautiful and Clever Design
The aqueduct is a great example of creative and technical skill. The decorative brickwork on the arches is very unique for a structure that was built for a practical purpose. It's unlikely that such detailed brickwork would be used on a similar project today. The steel lattice girder bridge also looks striking in the Wolli Creek area.
A Local Landmark
For the people living in the local area, the aqueduct is a major landmark. It helps them understand the history and development of their community. It's a visible reminder of the past.
Learning from the Past
The aqueduct can teach us a lot about old building methods. The steel truss bridge is a rare example of its kind from the late 1800s. The original wrought iron pipes are also very unusual because of their large size and length. Even the steel pipe added in 1929 is interesting, showing early use of welding technology for such a long pipe. The brickwork is a perfect example of the skills of bricklayers from that time.
A Rare and Special Structure
The Wolli Creek Aqueduct is considered rare because of its size, where it's built, and how it combines different materials and building techniques. While its function (carrying sewage) is common across Sydney, this particular aqueduct stands out as a unique example of its type.
