**** Murrabit - Moulamein Road Swan Hill (East) 2710
Local Government Area
Wakool
Owner
Local Government
Current Use
Road bridge
Former Use
Road bridge
Statement of significance
Statement of significance
The Gee Gee bridge is a Dare type timber truss bridge, and was completed in 1929. In 1998 it was in good condition.
As a timber truss road bridge, it has strong associations with the expansion of the road network and economic activity throughout NSW, and Harvey Dare, the designer of this type of truss.
Dare trusses were fifth in the five stage design evolution of NSW timber truss road bridges. They were similar to Allan trusses, but contain improvements which make them stronger and easier to maintain. This engineering enhancement represents a significant evolution of the design of timber truss bridges, and gives Dare trusses some technical significance.
In 1998 there were 27 surviving Dare trusses in NSW of the 40 built, and 82 timber truss road bridges survive from the over 400 built.
The Gee Gee bridge is a representative example of Dare timber truss road bridges, and is assessed as being State significant, primarily on the basis of its technical and historical significance.
Date Significance Updated
27 January 1999
Description
Designer
Harvey Dare
Builder
****
Construction years
**** - 1929
Physical description
Gee Gee Bridge is a Dare type timber truss road bridge. It has a single timber truss span of 27.7m (91ft). There are 3 timber approach spans at one end and 2 at the other giving the bridge an overall length of 72.5m (238ft).
The super structure is supported by timber trestles and provides a dual lane carriage way with a minimum width of 5.5m. A timber post and rail guard rail extends the full length of the bridge.
In the 1990's strengthening of the timber trestles took place.
The Gee Gee bridge is a Dare type timber truss bridge, and was completed in 1929.
Timber truss road bridges have played a significant role in the expansion and improvement of the NSW road network. Prior to the bridges being built, river crossings were often dangerous in times of rain, which caused bulk freight movement to be prohibitively expensive for most agricultural and mining produce. Only the high priced wool clip of the time was able to carry the costs and inconvenience imposed by the generally inadequate river crossings that often existed prior to the trusses construction.
Timber truss bridges were preferred by the Public Works Department from the mid 19th to the early 20th century because they were relatively cheap to construct, and used mostly local materials. The financially troubled governments of the day applied pressure to the Public Works Department to produce as much road and bridge work for as little cost as possible, using local materials. This condition effectively prohibited the use of iron and steel, as these, prior to the construction of the steel works at Newcastle in the early 20th century, had to be imported from England.
Harvey Dare, the designer of Dare truss and other bridges, was a leading engineer in the Public Works Department, and a prominent figure in early 20th century NSW.
Timber truss bridges, and timber bridges generally were so common that NSW was known to travellers as the "timber bridge state".
Listings
Heritage Listing
Reference Number
Gazette Number
Gazette Page
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register
01469
Assessment of Significance
Historical Significance
Through the bridge's association with the expansion of the NSW road network, its ability to demonstrate historically important concepts such as the gradual acceptance of NSW people of American design ideas, and its association with Harvey Dare, it has historical significance.
Historical Association
****
Aesthetic/Technical Significance
The bridge exhibits the technical excellence of its design, as all of the structural detail is clearly visible. In the context of its landscape it is visually attractive. As such, the bridge has a small amount of aesthetic significance.
Social Significance
Timber truss bridges are prominent to road travellers, and NSW has in the past been referred to as the "timber truss bridge state". Through this, the complete set of bridges gain some social significance, as they could be said to be held in reasonable esteem by many travellers in NSW.
Research Significance
The bridge has technical significance because it is a Dare truss, is representative of some major technical developments that were made in timber truss design by the Public Works Department.
Rarity
Rare - In 1998 there were 27 surviving Dare trusses in NSW of the 40 built, and 82 timber truss road bridges survive from the over 400 built.
Representativenes
Representative of Dare truss bridges
Integrity/Intactness
Intact, but timber piers have been strengthened by additional piles.
Assessed Significance
State
References
Type
Author
Year
Title
Written
Department of Main Roads, NSW
1987
Timber Truss Bridge Maintenance Handbook
Written
Fraser, D J
1985
Timber Bridges of New South Wales
Study details
Title
Year
Author
Inspected by
Guidelines used
Relative Heritage Significance of all Timber Truss Bridges in NSW