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MERRI CREEK BRIDGE

Other Name

HEIDELBERG ROAD BRIDGE

Location

HEIDELBERG ROAD, NORTHCOTE and FAIRFIELD, DAREBIN CITY

File Number

Darebin Database #50

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

[1/2]
City of Darebin Heritage
[2/2]
City of Darebin Heritage

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Heidelberg Road bridge over the Merri Creek at Northcote, comprising the original bridge constructed 1866-7 and the 1936 additions.

How is it significant?
The Heidelberg Road Bridge over the Merri Creek is of local historic significance to Darebin City.

Why is it significant?
The Merri Creek bridge is historically significant as one of the few remaining bridges which replaced punts and causeways over Melbourne's watercourses and which enabled expansion into outer areas. The bridge has undergone various repairs and in 1936 was expanded, matching the same style as the original, to cope with increased traffic. Preservation of this bridge at that time has ensured its relatively unaltered condition at a site close to the City of Melbourne, where many of the early bridges have been replaced. Only the Barkers Road Bridge at Hawthorn is thought to be older (c1860).

Group

Transport - Road