Maribyrnong Rail Bridge
Newell's Paddock FOOTSCRAY, Maribyrnong City
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Statement of Significance
Of state significance for its historical association with the beginning of rail travel, architectural and technical significance as the outstanding engineering work of its day. (Criterion A4) While substantially modified from the original Melbourne and Mt. Alexander Railway Bridge, this structure exemplifies the engineering methods of the 19th century bridge builders.
(Criterion F1) The bluestone abutments are both decorative and practical, reflecting their designed strength in solid forms and rusticated blocks of stone. While designed for steam trains, the bridge relates to a time when trains revolutionised travel. The more artistic forms of classic bridge design are rarely seen to day. (Criterion B2) The alterations over time are related to changes in use of the bridge and the requirement for heavier loads as engine and train weight increased. This is a phenomena which can also be seen in the extra iron piers added to the Tarradale viaduct and the strengthening of the Malmsbury and Sunbury viaducts on the same line.
Australian Heritage Commission (AHC) criteria
The Australian Heritage Commission criteria consist of a set of eight criteria which cover social, aesthetic, scientific, and historic values. Each criterion has sub-criteria written specifically for cultural or natural values. The relevant criteria are:
A.4 demonstrates well the course and pattern of history, important historic events
F.1 design or technological achievement .
B.2 rarity
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Maribyrnong Rail Bridge - Physical Description 1
Bluestone and steel bridge spanning the Maribyrnong River with a clear span of over 164 ft.
As originally built the bridge had a lattice girder between piers of rusticated bluestone masonry with a string course. The 1911 modifications replaced the lattice with the current triangulated bow truss, extended and modified the abutments and added curved wing walls. Further modifications involved improvements to the abutments. A concrete and steel railway bridge was built immediately upstream to provide two additional tracks in the 1970s.
Maribyrnong Rail Bridge - Physical Conditions
In good condition and well maintained, although the upstream view has been compromised by the duplication.
Maribyrnong Rail Bridge - Integrity
Generally intact to its rebuilt condition but the adjacent modern bridge detracts
Maribyrnong Rail Bridge - Physical Description 2
Set amidst the industrial remnants of the Footscray/Kensington area, with parkland now replacing noxious industry sites.
Maribyrnong Rail Bridge - Historical Australian Themes
Thematic context
Australian Principal Theme Moving goods and people
PAHT Subtheme: Moving goods and people by rail
Local Theme Railways - freightMaribyrnong Rail Bridge - Physical Description 3
Creation date(s): 1859 c.
Heritage Significance state
Map (Melway) 42 G4
Boundary description The bridge, abutments and approach embankment
Local Government Area: Cities of Maribyrnong and Melbourne
Ownership Type State (PTC)Heritage Study and Grading
Maribyrnong - Maribyrnong Heritage Review
Author: Jill Barnard, Graeme Butler, Francine Gilfedder & Gary Vines
Year: 2000
Grading:
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KINNEARS ROPEWORKSVictorian Heritage Register H2067
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FOOTSCRAY PSYCHIATRIC CENTREVictorian Heritage Register H2395
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WILLIAM COOPER RESIDENCE, SOUTHAMPTON STREETVictorian Heritage Register H2436
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'Altona' Homestead (Formerly 'Laverton' Homestead) and Logan ReserveHobsons Bay City
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