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Coordinates: 32°39′04″S 151°01′16″E / 32.6511°S 151.0211°E / -32.6511; 151.0211
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{{Use Australian English|date=October 2018}}
{{Use Australian English|date=October 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=October 2018}}
{{Infobox historic site
{{Infobox bridge
| name = Wollombi Brook bridge
| name = Wollombi Brook Bridge
| image =
| native_name =
| caption =
| native_name_lang =
| image =
| locmapin = New South Wales
| map_caption =
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| coordinates = {{coord|-32.6511|151.0211|region:AU-NSW_type:landmark|display=inline,title}}
| caption =
| map_relief = yes
| coordinates = {{Coord|-32.6511|151.0211|region:AU-NSW_type:landmark|display=inline,title|format=dms}}<!-- {{Coord}} -->
| location = 213 Main Road, [[Bulga, New South Wales|Bulga]], [[Singleton Council]], [[New South Wales]], Australia
| area =
| os_grid_reference =
| elevation =
| qid =
| height =
| refs =
| carries = [[Putty Road]] {{AUshield|NSW|B84}}
| beginning_label = Design period
| crosses = [[Wollombi Brook]]
| beginning_date =
| locale = [[Bulga, New South Wales]], Australia
| formed =
| founded =
| starts =
| ends =
| built = 1912
| built_for =
| official_name =
| other_name = Bulga Bridge
| demolished =
| named_for =
| architect = Harvey Dare
| owner = [[Transport for NSW]]
| architecture =
| maint =
| owner = [[Roads and Maritime Services]]
| heritage =
| id =
| id_type =
| website =
| preceded =
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| design = [[Truss bridge#Dare truss|Dare truss]]
| material = Timber
| material1 =
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| length = {{convert|424|ft|m|0|order=flip}}
| width = {{convert|5.5|m|ft|0}}
| height =
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| number_spans = 5: 2 main; 3 approach
| piers_in_water =
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| designer = Harvey Dare
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| builder = William Murphy and James Taylor
| fabricator =
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| complete = 1912
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{{Designation list
| embed = yes
| designation1 = New South Wales State Heritage Register
| designation1 = New South Wales State Heritage Register
| designation1_offname = Bulga Bridge over Wollombi Brook
| designation1_offname = Bulga Bridge over Wollombi Brook
| designation1_type = state heritage (built)
| designation1_type = State heritage (built)
| designation1_date = 20 June 2000
| designation1_date = 20 June 2000
| delisted1_date =
| delisted1_date =
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| designation1_free2value = Transport - Land
| designation1_free2value = Transport - Land
| designation1_free3name = Builders
| designation1_free3name = Builders
| designation1_free3value =
| designation1_free3value = William Murphy and James Taylor
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}}
}}

The '''Wollombi Brook bridge''' is a heritage-listed road bridge at 213 Main Road, [[Bulga, New South Wales|Bulga]], [[Singleton Council]], [[New South Wales]], Australia. It was designed by Harvey Dare and built in 1912. The property is owned by [[Roads and Maritime Services]], an [[government agency|agency]] of the [[Government of New South Wales]]. It was added to the [[New South Wales State Heritage Register]] on 20 June 2000.<ref name=nswshr-1459>{{cite NSW SHR|5051358|Bulga Bridge over Wollombi Brook|hr=01459|accessdate=13 October 2018}}</ref>
The '''Wollombi Brook bridge''' is a [[heritage register|heritage-listed]] [[road bridge]] that carries [[Putty Road]] across the [[Wollombi Brook]] at [[Bulga, New South Wales]], Australia. The bridge was designed by Harvey Dare and built in 1912. The bridge is owned by [[Transport for NSW]]. The bridge was added to the [[New South Wales State Heritage Register]] on 20 June 2000.<ref name=nswshr-1459>{{cite NSW SHR|5051358|Bulga Bridge over Wollombi Brook|hr=01459|access-date=13 October 2018}}</ref>


== History ==
== History ==
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===Timber truss bridges===
===Timber truss bridges===


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.<ref name=nswshr-1459/>
Timber [[Truss bridge|truss road bridges]] have played a significant role in the expansion and improvement of the New South Wales 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.<ref name=nswshr-1459/>


Timber truss bridges were preferred by the [[NSW Public Works|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, New South Wales|Newcastle]] in the early 20th century, had to be imported from England.<ref name=nswshr-1459/>
Timber truss bridges were preferred by the [[NSW Public Works|NSW 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 NSW 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, New South Wales|Newcastle]] in the early 20th century, had to be imported from England.<ref name=nswshr-1459/>


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.<ref name=nswshr-1459/>
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.<ref name=nswshr-1459/>
Line 55: Line 120:
===Wollombi Brook bridge===
===Wollombi Brook bridge===


The bridge was built in 1911-12 by William Murphy and James Taylor over what was then known as Cockfighter Creek.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article80001205 |title=LOCAL. NEWS. |newspaper=[[Singleton Argus]] |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=4 May 1911 |accessdate=30 October 2018 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>
The bridge was built in 1911-12 by William Murphy and James Taylor over what was then known as Cockfighter Creek.<ref>{{cite news |url=http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article80001205 |title=LOCAL. NEWS. |newspaper=[[Singleton Argus]] |location=New South Wales, Australia |date=4 May 1911 |access-date=30 October 2018 |page=2 |via=National Library of Australia}}</ref>


In 2003-04, emergency works were undertaken including [[Pier (architecture)|pier]] replacement, driving of new piles and a second row of piles.<ref name=nswshr-1459/>
In 2003-04, emergency works were undertaken including [[Pier (architecture)|pier]] replacement, driving of new piles and a second row of piles.<ref name=nswshr-1459/>


== Description ==
== Description ==
Bulga Bridge is a Dare type timber [[truss]] road bridge. It has 2 timber truss [[Span (architecture)|spans]], each of 32.0m (105ft). There are 3 timber approach spans at one end and 2 at the other giving the bridge an overall length of 129.2m (424ft).
Bulga Bridge is a Dare-type timber [[truss]] road bridge. It has two timber truss [[Span (architecture)|spans]], each of {{convert|105|ft|m|0|order=flip}}. There are three timber approach spans at one end and two at the other giving the bridge an overall length of {{convert|424|ft|m|0|order=flip}}. The super structure is supported by sheeted timber trestles and provides a carriageway with a minimum width of {{convert|5.5|m|ft|0}}. A timber post and rail guard rail extends the full length of the bridge. The underside of the bridge deck has been strengthened with steel tension ties.<ref name=nswshr-1459/>
The super structure is supported by sheeted timber trestles and provides a carriage way with a minimum width of 5.5m. A timber post and rail guard rail extends the full length of the bridge. The underside of the bridge deck has been strengthened with steel tension ties.<ref name=nswshr-1459/>


== Heritage listing ==
== Heritage listing ==
The Bulga bridge is a Dare type timber truss bridge, and was completed in 1912. In 1998 it was in good condition. As a timber truss road bridge, it has many associational links with important historical events, trends, and people, including 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.<ref name=nswshr-1459/>
The Bulga Bridge is a Dare-type timber truss bridge, and was completed in 1912. In 1998 it was in good condition. As a timber truss road bridge, it has many associational links with important historical events, trends, and people, including 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.<ref name=nswshr-1459/>


The Bulga bridge is particularly technically significant because it has very large supporting trestles, has the rare feature of trussed cross girders, and is the largest span Dare truss bridge built. The bridge is located in the Hunter region, which has 15 historic bridges each constructed before 1905, and it gains heritage significance from its proximity to the high concentration of other historic bridges in the area. 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 Bulga bridge is a representative example of Dare timber truss road bridges, and is assessed as being Nationally significant, primarily on the basis of its technical and historical significance.<ref name=nswshr-1459/>
The Bulga Bridge is particularly technically significant because it has very large supporting trestles, has the rare feature of trussed cross girders, and is the largest span Dare truss bridge built. The bridge is located in the Hunter region, which has 15 historic bridges each constructed before 1905, and it gains heritage significance from its proximity to the high concentration of other historic bridges in the area. 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 Bulga Bridge is a representative example of Dare timber truss road bridges, and is assessed as being Nationally significant, primarily on the basis of its technical and historical significance.<ref name=nswshr-1459/>


Bulga Bridge over Wollombi Brook was listed on the [[New South Wales State Heritage Register]] on 20 June 2000 having satisfied the following criteria.<ref name=nswshr-1459/>
The Bulga Bridge over Wollombi Brook was listed on the [[New South Wales State Heritage Register]] on 20 June 2000 having satisfied the following criteria.<ref name=nswshr-1459/>


'''The place is important in demonstrating the course, or pattern, of cultural or natural history in New South Wales.'''
'''The place is important in demonstrating the course, or pattern, of cultural or natural history in New South Wales.'''
Line 84: Line 148:
'''The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.'''
'''The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.'''


Highly rare - contains several important technical features<ref name=nswshr-1459/>
Highly rare - contains several important technical features.<ref name=nswshr-1459/>


'''The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural or natural places/environments in New South Wales.'''
'''The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural or natural places/environments in New South Wales.'''


Representative of Dare timber truss bridges<ref name=nswshr-1459/>
Representative of Dare timber truss bridges.<ref name=nswshr-1459/>


== See also ==
== See also ==
{{portal|New South Wales}}
{{stack|{{portal|New South Wales|Transport|Engineering|Australian roads}}}}
* [[List of bridges in Australia]]


== References ==
== References ==
Line 97: Line 162:


=== Bibliography ===
=== Bibliography ===
* {{cite web|author=|date=2007|title=Bulga Bridge over Wollombi Brook|url=http://www.visitnsw.com.au/Operator.aspx?ProductId=9019392}}
* {{cite web|date=2007|title=Bulga Bridge over Wollombi Brook|url=http://www.visitnsw.com.au/Operator.aspx?ProductId=9019392}}
* {{cite web|author=Attraction Homepage|date=2007|title=Bulga Bridge over Wollombi Brook|url=http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/index.cgi?action=heritage.show&id=4300181}}
* {{cite web|author=Attraction Homepage|date=2007|title=Bulga Bridge over Wollombi Brook|url=http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/index.cgi?action=heritage.show&id=4300181}}
* {{cite book|author=Department of Main Roads, NSW|date=1987|title=Timber Truss Bridge Maintenance Handbook}}
* {{cite book|author=NSW Department of Main Roads|author-link=Department of Main Roads (New South Wales)|date=1987|title=Timber Truss Bridge Maintenance Handbook}}
* {{cite book|last=Fraser|first=D J|date=1985|title=Timber Bridges of New South Wales}}
* {{cite book|last=Fraser|first=D. J.|date=1985|title=Timber Bridges of New South Wales}}

=== Attribution ===
=== Attribution ===
{{NSW-SHR-CC|name=Bulga Bridge over Wollombi Brook|dno=5051358|id=1459|year=2018|accessdate=13 October 2018}}
{{NSW-SHR-CC|name=Bulga Bridge over Wollombi Brook|dno=5051358|id=1459|year=2018|accessdate=13 October 2018}}

{{Road infrastructure in regional New South Wales|state=collapsed}}
{{Hunter Region places and items of interest}}


[[Category:New South Wales State Heritage Register]]
[[Category:New South Wales State Heritage Register]]
[[Category:Bridges in New South Wales]]
[[Category:Road bridges in New South Wales]]
[[Category:Articles incorporating text from the New South Wales State Heritage Register]]
[[Category:Articles incorporating text from the New South Wales State Heritage Register]]
[[Category:1912 establishments in Australia]]
[[Category:Bridges completed in 1912]]
[[Category:Truss bridges in Australia]]
[[Category:Singleton Council]]
[[Category:Wooden bridges in Australia]]

Latest revision as of 19:57, 9 September 2022

Wollombi Brook Bridge
Coordinates32°39′04″S 151°01′16″E / 32.6511°S 151.0211°E / -32.6511; 151.0211
CarriesPutty Road
CrossesWollombi Brook
LocaleBulga, New South Wales, Australia
Other name(s)Bulga Bridge
OwnerTransport for NSW
Characteristics
DesignDare truss
MaterialTimber
Total length129 metres (424 ft)
Width5.5 metres (18 ft)
No. of spans5: 2 main; 3 approach
History
DesignerHarvey Dare
Constructed byWilliam Murphy and James Taylor
Construction end1912
Official nameBulga Bridge over Wollombi Brook
TypState heritage (built)
Designated20 June 2000
Reference no.1459
TypRoad Bridge
KategorieTransport - Land
BuildersWilliam Murphy and James Taylor
Standort
Map

The Wollombi Brook bridge is a heritage-listed road bridge that carries Putty Road across the Wollombi Brook at Bulga, New South Wales, Australia. The bridge was designed by Harvey Dare and built in 1912. The bridge is owned by Transport for NSW. The bridge was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 20 June 2000.[1]

History

[edit]

Timber truss bridges

[edit]

Timber truss road bridges have played a significant role in the expansion and improvement of the New South Wales 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.[1]

Timber truss bridges were preferred by the NSW 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 NSW 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.[1]

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.[1]

Timber truss bridges, and timber bridges generally were so common that NSW was known to travellers as the "timber bridge state".[1]

Wollombi Brook bridge

[edit]

The bridge was built in 1911-12 by William Murphy and James Taylor over what was then known as Cockfighter Creek.[2]

In 2003-04, emergency works were undertaken including pier replacement, driving of new piles and a second row of piles.[1]

Description

[edit]

Bulga Bridge is a Dare-type timber truss road bridge. It has two timber truss spans, each of 32 metres (105 ft). There are three timber approach spans at one end and two at the other giving the bridge an overall length of 129 metres (424 ft). The super structure is supported by sheeted timber trestles and provides a carriageway with a minimum width of 5.5 metres (18 ft). A timber post and rail guard rail extends the full length of the bridge. The underside of the bridge deck has been strengthened with steel tension ties.[1]

Heritage listing

[edit]

The Bulga Bridge is a Dare-type timber truss bridge, and was completed in 1912. In 1998 it was in good condition. As a timber truss road bridge, it has many associational links with important historical events, trends, and people, including 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.[1]

The Bulga Bridge is particularly technically significant because it has very large supporting trestles, has the rare feature of trussed cross girders, and is the largest span Dare truss bridge built. The bridge is located in the Hunter region, which has 15 historic bridges each constructed before 1905, and it gains heritage significance from its proximity to the high concentration of other historic bridges in the area. 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 Bulga Bridge is a representative example of Dare timber truss road bridges, and is assessed as being Nationally significant, primarily on the basis of its technical and historical significance.[1]

The Bulga Bridge over Wollombi Brook 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.

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.[1]

The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.

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 moderate aesthetic significance.[1]

The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in New South Wales for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.

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.[1]

The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

Highly rare - contains several important technical features.[1]

The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural or natural places/environments in New South Wales.

Representative of Dare timber truss bridges.[1]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o "Bulga Bridge over Wollombi Brook". New South Wales State Heritage Register. Department of Planning & Environment. H01459. Retrieved 13 October 2018. Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under CC-BY 4.0 licence.
  2. ^ "LOCAL. NEWS". Singleton Argus. New South Wales, Australia. 4 May 1911. p. 2. Retrieved 30 October 2018 – via National Library of Australia.

Bibliography

[edit]

Attribution

[edit]

This Wikipedia article was originally based on Bulga Bridge over Wollombi Brook, entry number 1459 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 13 October 2018.

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Wollombi_Brook_bridge,_Bulga&oldid=1109430847"