MICKLEHAM ROAD COBBLED ROAD SITE

MICKLEHAM ROAD WESTMEADOWS, HUME CITY

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

• Additional Place Information

  • History

    MICKLEHAM ROAD COBBLED ROAD SITE - History

    This exposed section of old road surface is located south west of the former village of Broadmeadows. Parish of Tullamarine plans of the 1850s show a 'main road' running down the west side of the village and continuing down between the large properties of John Carre Riddell and George Russell, who had both acquired their land during the 1840s. Presumably this road later became Mickleham road. The existence of a road at this early date suggests the extant road surface at the junction of Mickelham Road and Hillcrest Drive dates to around the 1850s. It is likely the road was a thoroughfare for traffic to and from the goldfields, as old Broadmeadows village is known to have been a stopover on this route (Moloney 2003).

    Interpretation of Site

    MICKLEHAM ROAD COBBLED ROAD SITE - Interpretation of Site

    A section of the original cobbled roadway was revealed during road works which resulted in the construction of the current Mickleham Road Service Lane.

    The 60 metre section of road that was revealed was recorded at the time (2001) as being constructed of basalt boulders (c. 20cm in size) with crushed rock packed between them.

    Archaeological Significance

    MICKLEHAM ROAD COBBLED ROAD SITE - Archaeological Significance

    Given its substantial construction, and the liklihood that this was utilised as a base for subsequent re-surfacing, it is likely that original road is preserved beneath further sections of the current roadway. These deposits hold information concerning the construction of 19th century roads. However, it is unlikely that significant artefactual deposits will exist in the road layers, and the potential is therefore somewhat limited.

    Historical Significance

    MICKLEHAM ROAD COBBLED ROAD SITE - Historical Significance

    The cobbled surface beneath Mickleham Road is significant as one of the earliest arterial routes through the area.

    Heritage Inventory Description

    MICKLEHAM ROAD COBBLED ROAD SITE - Heritage Inventory Description

    A section of historic road constructed of basalt boulders packed with crushed rock.

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