Bluestone Bridge over Bruce's Creek

The segmental arch masonry bridge over Bruce's Creek is located in Russell Street, Lethbridge. Bruce's Creek (currently dry) flows in a north south direction from the Lethbridge Lake, formally the Lethbridge Water Reserve. Contractor George Scithers constructed the bridge in 1862 at a cost of £615. During the 1860s, Scithers completed numerous bridges and works on important colonial roadways within the Geelong region. Local history contrasts with the official documentation, and according to one account, the bridge was constructed by the Victorian Railways Department to link the Lethbridge quarry and the railway station, to enable the transportation of bluestone for the construction of the Moorabool viaduct. This view may have been influenced by the erection of a much larger segmental arch road bridge, constructed over the Geelong-Ballarat railway line on Quarry Road. Nevertheless, it is highly likely that the bluestone used in the construction of the bridge over Bruce's Creek was sourced locally from the Lethbridge Bluestone Quarry, owned at the time by the Victorian Railways. The bridge provided permanent access over Bruce's Creek, linking the Lethbridge Railway precinct and the commercial centre of the township to the Midland Highway and broader colonial trade routes. The bridge is in good condition and retains a high degree of integrity.

How is it Significant?

The Bluestone Bridge over Bruce's Creek is of historical, social and architectural (engineering) significance township of Lethbridge and the Golden Plains Shire.

Why is it Significant?

The Bluestone Bridge over Bruce's Creek is of historical significance as a surviving example of an early masonry bridge constructed to link the local quarrying industry to the broader trade routes of Victoria.

The Bluestone Bridge over Bruce's Creek is of social significance for reflecting the shifting commercial focus of the township, following the introduction of the railway and the opening of the Lethbridge Railway Station. The bridge, along with other prominent local buildings constructed of Lethbridge bluestone, reflect the importance of this local industry and the quality of the stone extracted from the immediate Lethbridge area.

The Bluestone Bridge over Bruce's Creek is of local architectural (engineering) significance as a surviving example of a fine segmental arch masonry bridge, constructed of rock face and dressed basalt, dating from the 1860s.

Group

Transport - Road

Category

Road Bridge