The Iron Cove Bridge is an outstanding steel truss bridge which forms a local landmark that has a "gateway" quality for the suburbs of Balmain and Drummoyne due to its impressive size. The Bridge is comprised of aesthetically distinctive piers and abutments which reflect the Inter-War Art Deco style which was prevalent when it was first designed in 1942. Furthermore it was the last steel truss bridge to be constructed in NSW in which rivets were used for field connections prior to the introduction of high strength bolts. The Iron Cove Bridge has been assessed as being of state significance.
Date Significance Updated
21 July 2003
Description
Designer
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Builder
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Construction years
1878 - 1882
Physical description
The Iron Cove Bridge is an impressive steel truss bridge. It consists of four 18m plate girder approach spans and seven 52m steel Pratt truss spans for a total length of 461.26m (1,535ft 10in). Four lanes of traffic are located within the truss spans and the overall width of the roadway is 13.70m between kerbs. The roadway consists of a 127mm reinforced concrete deck slab with an inset for tram tracks in the centre portion.
Replacement of the old bridge was decided upon immediately prior to the outbreak of war in 1939. In 1947, despite the significant backlog in bridge repairs, construction was commenced on a major new bridge across Iron Cove.
Date condition updated
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History
Historical notes
The Bridge was officially opened by the Hon. J.J. Cahill, MLA, Premier and Colonial Treasurer of NSW on the 30th July, 1955. The design of the bridge incorporates many elements of the Inter-War Art Deco style which was at its peak in Australia between 1915 and 1940.
Listings
Heritage Listing
Reference Number
Gazette Number
Gazette Page
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register
Assessment of Significance
Historical Significance
After Hawkesbury River (1945) and Hexham Bridge (1952) it was the most substantial undertaking in the construction of a steel truss bridge by the DMR in the post war period. Like these, it stands out as a remarkable and optimistic achievement in the depressed economic conditions then prevailing. It served as a replacement for an earlier bridge which was constructed in 1881 which formed an important link in Sydney's electric tramway service. The Bridge has been assessed as fulfilling this criterion at a state level.
Aesthetic Significance
The Bridge exhibits the technical excellence of its design, as all the structural details are clearly visible. Unlike many bridges, it is particularly striking to those who use the Bridge because users are enveloped in the truss. Due to its impressive size it forms a local landmark that has a 'gateway' quality for the suburbs of Balmain and Drummoyne. The Bridge is comprised of aesthetically distinctive piers and abutments which reflect the Inter-War Art Deco style which was prevalent when it was first designed in 1942. The Bridge has been assessed as fulfilling this criterion at a state level.
Social Significance
The Parramatta River is very popular with rowers and boating enthusiasts, and so the landmark of Iron Cove Bridge is highly valued by locals and tourists alike, giving them a sense of place. The community would therefore have a deep sense of loss should the Bridge be damaged or destroyed. It forms part of the Bay Run which is a popular walking and cycling route for residents of Rozelle, Drummoyne and Five Dock. In addition, the Bridge has contributed significantly to the social and commercial development of the suburbs around Drummoyne. The Bridge has been assessed as fulfilling this criterion at a state level.
Technical Significance
Integrity/Intactness
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Representativenes
The Bridge is an excellent example of its type, having the principal characteristics of this important class of bridges (ie the steel Pratt truss), but is outstanding because of its setting and size. Furthermore it possesses fine architectural detailing not seen on other bridges of this type. The Bridge has been assessed as fulfilling this criterion at a state level.
Rarity
Iron Cove Bridge is one of the largest (most spans) steel truss bridges constructed in NSW. Metal bridges are relatively rare in relation to the total road bridge population. It stands as a record of DMR optimism in the depressed period after war, and the Art Deco elements in its design are not seen on other bridges of this type. The Bridge has been assessed as fulfilling this criterion at a state level.
Assessed Significance
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References
Type
Author
Year
Title
Written
Ian Berger, RTA Environmental Technology
2003
Iron Cove Bridge Heritage Assessment
Study details
Title
Year
Author
Inspected by
Guidelines used
Custom fields
RTA Region
Sydney
Bridge Number
65
CARMS File Number
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Property Number
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Conservation Management Plan
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Images
Iron Cove Bridge, Drummoyne
A view of the northern abutment viewed from the west showing the manner in which the separate elements combine to form a unified theme.
The piers built at Iron Cove Bridge with their Art Deco inspired vertical fins mark a singular removal from the octagonal cross-sectioned piers that were in general use for large steel truss structures.
Detail of railing/traffic barrier with parallel line motif that echoes the stepped endposts.
Detail of Art deco modelling on the deck in the form of the lamp posts.
Heritage and conservation register
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