Kingower Stone Bridge

What is significant? The Kingower Bridge most probably dates from 1864, and is a two span bridge built on a coach road. It consists of crafted granite masonry abutments and a central pier, with very large timber-beams and transverse-timber-decked superstructure, with running boards. The granite masonry substructure work is finished with draft margins. It is still in daily use.
How is it significant? Kingower Bridge is of historical and aesthetic significance at the State level.
Why is it significant? Kingower Bridge is of historical significance as an extremely rare example of a gold-era stone and timber-beam main road bridge, and is the only known unmodified example of this once-common design still in regular traffic use. It is also one of the oldest surviving local government bridges in Victoria, from the period of District Road Boards preceding rural shires.
Kingower Bridge is of aesthetic significance for its fine masonry craftmanship in local granite, with substantial stone abutments and wing walls and a central masonry pier. It is well proportioned and the soft-coloured granite and old timberwork combine attractively. The bridge is set among vineyards on a former goldfield, close to significant old mining relics and the site of the original Gold Commissioner's 'Government Camp' site.
Classified: 06/10/1997

Group

Transport - Road

Category

Road Bridge