NSW has a proud history of timber bridge design, construction and maintenance. Many of the State’s charming old timber bridges are now classified as “State Significant” under the Heritage Act and remain in full service today, a testament to the integrity of their original design and construction.
The ongoing maintenance of these bridges is expensive, time-consuming, hazardous and labour-intensive. It requires a high level of technical skill and teamwork, and the supply of increasingly scarce high-grade hardwood.
As part of its ongoing Oral History Program, Roads and Maritime Services (replacing Roads and Traffic Authority) has produced this film record of some of the typical activities involved in maintaining the State’s heritage timber bridges.
The DVD may be ordered from the Transport Library at a cost of A$11 plus postage and handling. Orders may also be placed by fax to the Transport Library on 61 2 8849 2488.
The Chapter files from the DVD are accessible in Flash video format below.
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1. Introduction |
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2. McKanes Bridge McDonald Truss built 1893 |
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3. Timber |
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4. Monkerai Bridge Old PWD Truss - Emergency repairs |
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5. Luskintyre Bridge Steel Truss built 1904 |
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6. Dangar Bridge Dare Truss built 1930 |
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7. Credits |