Hawthorn Railway Bridge, Yarra River

History:

The Hawthorn Railway Bridge was built in 1861, and duplicated in 1882. Alterations were made to connect the levels of its girders in 1887. A new double-track bridge was built on its north side in 1912. The bridge was extended westwards in 1938-39 when a new span was added to bridge Yarra Boulevard, which was constructed as a scenic drive by Sustenance workers in the Depression. In 1971, the original piers were strengthened and the bridge widened to take a third track.

The extended Melbourne and Hobson's Bay Railway from Pic-nic (east of Burnley) to Hawthorn was opened on 13 April 1861. The opening was delayed due to delays in completion of the bridge by the contractors, Goldsack & Co.

Description:

The Hawthorn Railway Bridge is a rail bridge on the Ringwood line, between Burnley Station, Richmond, and Hawthorn Station, Hawthorn. The present bridge was constructed in a number of stages, but the present structure is dominated by the heavy, arched bluestone piers with Italianate decorative mouldings. The river itself is spanned by a deck supported on either side by diamond braced steel girders connecting the stone piers. The bicycle and walking path on the west riverbank passes beneath the voussoired arch. Further west, the extension across Yarra Boulevard is a simple metal structure resting at its western end on a wide stone pier.

Significance:

The Hawthorn Railway Bridge is of local historical and architectural significance. Historically, it is one of Melbourne's earliest rail bridges spanning the Yarra, and is also associated with the construction of Yarra Boulevard in the 1930s Depression. Architecturally, the bridge's stone construction employs elegant Italianate elements, and it remains a landmark, visible from the river and from Yarra Boulevard.

Group

Transport - Rail

Category

Railway Bridge/ Viaduct