Denison Bridge, Bathurst - Historic Engineering Marker #32 Bathurst, New South Wales, Australia
By Team MavEtJu on 31-Oct-15. Waypoint GA7743

Denison Bridge, Bathurst - Historic Engineering Marker #32

The first Denison Bridge was a three span laminated bow-string arch British type bridge commenced in January 1855 and completed the following year. The first bridge only lasted 11 years after it was destroyed by floods in 1867. The following article of the time provides great detail of the construction and the features of the first Denison Bridge:

The bridge is built of wood, strengthened in parts by iron rods; it has five arches, so to speak, built upon the suspension principle. The arches at either end are small, having a span of about fifty feet, while, the remaining space is divided between the other three arches, the centre one being apparently somewhat larger than the two others. There are two distinct lines of roadway, separated by the middle support of the bridge: one for carriages passing eastward, and another for those passing in an opposite direction. No separate provision has yet been made for foot passengers, but I believe it is contemplated to add that accommodation at a future time. The roadway is formed of wood, not otherwise covered than with a coating of preparation to resist the action of the weather, mixed with some rough material to give foothold to the horses passing over. The total length of the bridge is about, I should say, 400 feet. The whole building is well defended by strong side rails and balustrades, as well on the outer sides as on the inner line. The three are uniform. The whole of the upper part, above the roadway, is painted of a light colour, and has a very airy appearance. That below the road and under water is covered with tar, &a., and remains of its natural colour, relieving, very much, the appearance of the upper works of the bridge, and giving it a light appearance when viewed from the banks of the river. Returning to the upper works. On a buttress, at either end of the bridge, is raised a lamp, the light from which will serve to show the divisions of the track at night. The approaches to the bridge, on either side, have been well defended, and led up to, by strong fencing-not the primitive split-post and rail bush stuff, but good, legitimate, strong post and rail, well painted. A very good arrangement has been contrived to prevent collision. It consists merely in an application of those "rules of the road" which are practically on the road so little attended to

Contents of the plaque:

DENISON BRIDGE, BATHURST

The American pratt trusses on this bridge were the first of their type in New South Wales, a break from contemporary British technology. The innovative design of the bridge was prepared in 1865 by Public Works Department engineer Gustavus Morell and construction by P N Russell and Company took place during 1868-70. The structure proved the capabilities of colonial engineering skills and provided access from Bathurst and Western Districts to Sydney for 123 years.

DEDICATED BY THE INSTITUTION OF ENGINEERS, AUSTRALIA AND THE BATHURST CITY COUNCIL 1995

Note: The exact location of the marker is not known but suspected to be on the bridge. If you find it, please measure its location and let me know!

When logging this virtual, please add a photo of yourself or your GPSr at the plaque.

For more information, please see the nomination PDF at the Heritage Register at the Engineers Australia website: https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/portal/heritage/denison-bridge-bathurst-1870-1993