Gasworks Bridge, Parramatta, view of bridge from a low position on an adjacent river bank, circa 1928. Source: LSP 00813
Bridge construction in New South Wales (NSW) started with the needs of the first settlers. NSW at the time of early settlement had an abundance of convict labour and had a need for rapid construction. Iron bridges were used for major crossings on important corridors.
Three prominent engineers, Percy Allen, E M de Burgh and Harvey Dar, in the Department of Public Works, undertook the construction of the iron lattice bridges from 1881 to 1893. All these bridges were designed by the bridge engineer John A McDonald.
Iron lattice bridges are the most significant bridges of the colonial period. The Gasworks Bridge over the Parramatta River is one of 41 lattice girder bridges built throughout New South Wales and Victoria. 32 lattice girder bridges are in NSW. Out of 32 lattice girder bridges, 20 were road bridges and 12 were railway bridges. Meadowbank Railway Bridge is a lattice girder bridge.
The Gasworks Bridge began construction in 1878 after a petition was sent to parliament. The cost to build this bridge was 16,800 pounds and was completed on the 2 September 1885.
The Gasworks Bridge is supported on large sandstone piers. It has three main spans each 31m in length and two steel beam approach spans. The overall length of this bridge is 110m and 6.8 meters wide. The Gasworks Bridge is also known as Newlands Bridge and is still in use.
It was opened by the then mayor of Parramatta Joseph Smith. The opening of the bridge was celebrated by speeches and the opening of champagne. It was a technically sophisticated bridge structure for its time.
Since its construction 115 years ago the Gasworks Bridge has been an important item of infrastructure in NSW and has greatly contributed to the social and cultural development of Western Sydney.
Neera Sahni, Research Services Leader, Parramatta Heritage Centre, City of Parramatta, 2021
References
- Terry Kass et al, Parramatta, A Past Revealed, Parramatta City Council, 1999
- Waddy, Lloyd, The Kings School (1831-1981), Parramatta & District Historical Society Inc
- Vertical File, Local Studies and Family History Library, Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information centre
- Photos from Local Studies and Family History Library, Parramatta Heritage and Visitor Information centre.
- Varman, R. V. J. (Robert V. J.), Queens Wharf Reserve Parramatta : archaeological assessment
- Parramatta River Foreshores: bushland regeneration final report, November 2006 to October 2007 Toolijooa Environmental Restoration
- Statement of heritage impact : Gasworks Bridge, Parramatta River, Parramatta
- http://www.agl.com.au/about-agl/who-we-are/our-history
- http://www.eoas.info/biogs/A000206b.htm
- http://camwest.pps.com.au/heritage/images_pop/img_P1010036.html
- https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/ViewHeritageItemDetails.aspx?ID=4301684
- https://historyandheritage.cityofparramatta.nsw.gov.au/blog/2014/03/31/parramatta-gasworks-and-the-australian-gas-light-company
- Technology in Australia 1788-1988. University of Melbourne. Retrieved 23 April 2021.