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Bridge over Djerriwarrh Creek
Western Highway HOPETOUN PARK, MOORABOOL SHIRE

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Moorabool Shire

Djerriwarrh Bridge

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Statement of Significance
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Statement of Significance

An early high sandstone road bridge, built for the Colorrial government in 1858-59, on the Ballarat Road. It is a rare, possibly unique early local sandstone bridge.

It is of state historical significance in demonstrating the affect of early government action, which was then influential in facilitating the Melbourne-Ballarat link and stimulating development along this route. In particular it demonstrates the work of the then recently established Roads and Bridges Department of the Board of Land and Works, in improving the road network. in response to the vastly increased demand, due to the gold rush of the 1850s. Further, it demonstrates the pioneering early history of civil engineering in the Colony.

The bridge has aesthetic significance as a powerful technological experience, as it spans the deep ravine of the Djerriwarrh Creek. Conservation of the bridge over the past 30 years is of historical significance in demonstrating the early effect of government action in recognising the heritage significance of an engineering structure. Finally, this is expressed in social significance demonstrated by action to conserve a monument known and valued by the community, as pan of the sense of identity of the place. It has further social significance as a landmark, illustrated in representative views, such as postcards. The embankments and cutt ings form an important and integral contributory part of the significant fabric of the structure, in placing it in a meaningful physical context .

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- Physical Conditions
  
  Bridge over Djerriwarrh Creek - Physical Conditions
  
  Very good, generally, considering its vulnerable location. There is incised graffiti on the balustrade tops and erosion of stone, especially on the north side. This has been (incorrectly) repaired using Portland cement. The south-east balustrade is cracking, and there is spailing of stone due to corrosion of the metal pin fixings, also powdering of stone. There is no interpretation of the historic value of the site and this should be provided, at least with signage.
  
  Intactness
  
  Bridge over Djerriwarrh Creek - Intactness
  
  Excellent, excepting that various stones have been replaced with similar in a good colour match. The plaque has been removed from the south balustrade. This should be replaced.
  
  SIGNIFICANT INTACT ELEMENTS:
  
  MATERIALS. FORM. USE.
  
  PARAPET DECORATION.
  
  UNPAINTED FINISH.
  
  ENGINEERING STRUCTURE.
  
  SCENIC VALliE. VIEWS. CONTEXT.
  
  Physical Description 1
  
  Bridge over Djerriwarrh Creek - Physical Description 1
  
  A very high, single vault (of 6.1m), sandstone vehicular bridge in rock-face ashlar with wing walls containing the earth approach embankments. There are three bays divided by piers. The sides extend up as solid balustrades, with a flat top, bullnosed capping and the piers have hipped tops. At road level, there is one broad and one narrow bevelled roughly dressed stone bands.
  
  The stone generally varies in colour from golden yellow, to pink to cream. The base is bluestone. There are two round old timber posts at the north-east and three at the southeast corners. The deep concrete (over sandstone) embankments and cuttings curve away from the north-west and south-west corners. On the north side in the creek valley is remnant vegetation.
  
  Historical Australian Themes
  
  Bridge over Djerriwarrh Creek - Historical Australian Themes
  
  Goveming/Transport/Conserving.
  
  Heritage Study and Grading
  
  Heritage Study and Grading
  
  Moorabool - Bacchus Marsh Heritage Study 1995
  
  Author: Richard Peterson and Daniel Catrice
  Year: 1995
  Grading:
- Show:
- Bridge over Djerriwarrh Creek
  
  Moorabool Shire
- Eucalyptus baueriana subsp. thalassina
  
  National Trust