Red Bridge (Tasmania)

bridge in Campbell Town, Tasmania, Australia

The Red Bridge in Tasmania crosses the Elizabeth River at Campbell Town. It was built between 1836 and 1838 by convicts using red clay bricks made on site.[1] It has a solid stone base with sandstone piers and cappings.[1] It is the oldest brick arch bridge in Australia,[2] as well as the oldest bridge anywhere on an Australian National Highway.[3] The bridge has three arches with spans of 7.6 m (25 ft) each. It is wide enough for two lanes of traffic as well as pedestrian walkways. It is on the Midland Highway, about halfway between Hobart and Launceston, and carries over two million vehicles per year.

Red Bridge
Red Bridge, Tasmania
Coordinates41°55′58″S 147°29′34″E / 41.93289°S 147.49269°E / -41.93289; 147.49269
CarriesMotor vehicles and pedestrians
CrossesElizabeth River
LocaleCampbell Town, Tasmania,  Australia
Heritage status Registered
Characteristics
DesignArch bridge
MaterialBrick and Stone
Longest span7.6 metres (25 ft)
No. of spans3
History
DesignerJames Blackburn
Construction start1836
Construction endJuly 1838
Location
Map

It is said to have been designed by James Blackburn, an architect and a convict who had been sent to Tasmania for the crime of forgery.[4] It was made from 1,250,000 hand-made bricks on dry land. After it was finished the course of the river was changed to flow under the bridge.[5]

The Red Bridge is registered on the Register of the National Estate since 1978.

References change

  1. 1.0 1.1 "Example Strengthening Report (Red Bridge, Tasmania Australia)". cintec.com. 2012. Retrieved 24 March 2012.[permanent dead link]
  2. "Red Bridge". Cintec International. Archived from the original on 2007-07-05. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
  3. "Tasmania - Transport Spending". Australia Department of Transport and Regional Services. 11 May 1999. Archived from the original on 2007-09-12. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
  4. "Local Attractions". Campbell Town Online Access Centre. Archived from the original on 2012-09-04. Retrieved 2007-08-10.
  5. "Tasmanian Memorials - Campbell Town Convict Brick Trail". The Gardens Family. Retrieved 2007-08-10.

Other websites change


41°55′58″S 147°29′34″E / 41.9329°S 147.4927°E / -41.9329; 147.4927