Murray River bridge, Barham
Murray River Bridge, Barham | |
---|---|
lift span | |
Material | Timber |
Trough construction | Steel and timber |
Pier construction | Timber and cast iron |
Longest span | 17.8 metres (58 ft) |
No. 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 start | 1903 |
Opened | 1905 |
Official name | Barham Bridge over Murray River; Barham bridge |
Type | State heritage (built) |
Designated | 20 June 2000 |
Reference no. | 1456 |
Type | Road Bridge |
Category | Transport – Land |
Builders | John Monash and Anderson |
Location | |
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The Murray River bridge is a
History
The Murray around Barham was settled by graziers, mainly from
In 1902 it was agreed that a bridge with a
Barham lies in the Wakool Irrigation District, opened in 1935. This was the first such district in the state, with extensive, partial irrigation designed to provide water for the maximum number of graziers to ensure a regular supply of fattened lambs. In 1949 an intensive irrigation area within the district made rice farming feasible, increasing local heavy traffic. there have been particularly severe problems from salientian, however, in the last quarter-century.[1]
Description
Barham bridge is timber truss, steel lift span, bridge, generally two lanes wide across the Murray River between Barham in NSW and Koondrook in Victoria. The main axis of the bridge is north—south.[1]
There are three main
The Barham Bridge has the counterweights on the main axis side of the supporting
Condition
As at 15 May 1998, the bridge was in good condition having been extensively repaired in recent years, due to a major rehabilitation of the timber trusses.[1]
Heritage listing
As at 28 June 2005, Barham bridge has significance under all four criteria - Historical, Aesthetic, Technical and Social. The significance of the bridge lies in its location, for setting, and materials. The form and setting have aesthetic and social significance. The bridge may have higher overall significance as a member of the Murray Crossing Group, as a representative of a rare example of a representative type.[1]
Barham Bridge over Murray River was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 20 June 2000 having satisfied the following criteria.[1]
The place is important in demonstrating the course, or pattern, of cultural or natural history in New South Wales.
The Barham Bridge has historical significance as a rare example of a type of bridge which shows the evolving pattern of bridge design in Australia. The De Burgh timber bridge was only built for a brief period between 1899 and 1904. There are only nine remaining, and only two associated with lift spans, Barham and Cobram. These two bridges are also the only examples of De Burgh's lift spans. The bridge was built by Monash and Anderson. The bridge has historical significance through the association of John Monash with the bridge. Monash is arguably both one of Australia's most famous engineers, as well as one of the country's most famous soldiers.[1]
The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.
The Barham bridge has aesthetic significance due to its outstanding setting and landmark qualities. The bridge provides a gateway to NSW and the town of Barham. It dominates the towns due to its height and mass, providing the major landmark in the district. The setting is particularly fine, situated on the edge of the town and crossing the river amidst parklike lands and trees.[1]
The place has strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in New South Wales for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.
The Barham bridge has high significance to the local and district residents as the gateway between Barham and Koondrook, NSW and Victoria. As the towns are not large there is considerable commuting across the bridge for services that are not duplicated in both towns. The bridge also provides a focal point between town and river. The river is the main geographical feature in the area, and the centre for most recreation. The bridge acts as a reminder of river transport and attracts large crowds wherever river traffic passes through. For example, one lady, who has seen hundreds of river boats pass through the bridge, still rushes to see each new opening.[1]
Engineering heritage
The bridge received a Historic Engineering Marker from Engineers Australia as part of its Engineering Heritage Recognition Program.[2]
See also
References
- ^ .
- ^ "Barham-Koondrook Bridge, Murray River, 1904-". Engineers Australia. Retrieved 27 April 2020.
Bibliography
- "Barham Bridge over Murray River". 2007.
- Border Journal.
- Attraction Homepage (2007). "Barham Bridge over Murray River".
- Serle, G. (1982). John Monash: A Biography.
- Jack, I. (1986). Regional Histories of NSW.
- Roland, R. B. (1960). The Riverina: People and Properties.
- RTA Environment Branch (2009). Proposed rehabilitation works on Barham Bridge over the Murray River Barham, NSW : statement of heritage impact.
Attribution
This Wikipedia article was originally based on Barham Bridge over Murray River, entry number 01456 in the New South Wales State Heritage Register published by the State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) 2018 under CC-BY 4.0 licence, accessed on 2 June 2018.
External links
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