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RAILWAY BRIDGE (FORMER)

Location Brung Brungle Road WANNON, Southern Grampians Shire File Number 834 Level Stage 2 study complete

[1/7] 23621 Railway Trestle Bridge [2/7] 23621 Railway Trestle Bridge [3/7] 23621 Railway Trestle Bridge [4/7] 23621 Railway Trestle Bridge [5/7] 23621 Railway Trestle Bridge [6/7] 23621 Railway Trestle Bridge [7/7] 23621 Railway Trestle Bridge

Statement of Significance

What is Significant?
The timber trestle Railway Bridge over the Wannon River was constructed in 1884 for the extension of the Melbourne-Ballarat-Ararat-Hamilton railway line through to places further west. It was hoped at the time that the line would continue through to Adelaide, and, with branch lines north and south, make Hamilton an important railway junction. The bridge used conventional trestle construction and is not of particular structural significance, although it was perhaps the major work on the Hamilton-Coleraine section. In 1910 there was an accident nearby at Bochara, but it was not caused by any failure in the bridge. With the advent and improvement of motor transport, the passenger and goods trade went into decline and the line closed in 1977. The bridge has been partially dismantled with the rails now removed. It remains in fair condition and is used as a walking track.

How is it Significant?
The trestle Railway Bridge over the Wannon River at Wannon is of historical significance to the Southern Grampians Shire.

Why is it Significant?
The trestle Railway Bridge over the Wannon River at Wannon is of historical significance as a reminder of the critically important rail link between Melbourne and places west of Hamilton of which the bridge was a critical element. It has further historical significance for its association with the Bochara train accident in 1910.