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Mollison Street Bridge

Location Mollison Street,, KYNETON VIC 3444 - Property No B6669 File Number B6669 Level State

[1/2] B6669 Mollison St Bridge [2/2] B6669 GoogleEarth Image

Statement of Significance

What is significant? The Mollison Street Bridge is significant as the most substantial original and finely detailed metal bridge in Kyneton the region and expresses the importance of the town and this route with its river crossing in the late nineteenth century. The stone abutments, believed to have been from an earlier 1861 timber beam bridge, reflect the immediate post gold rush prosperity of the district, and the decision to locate the new railway south of the town on the opposite side of the river. The reconstruction of the bridge in 1884 resolved the public criticism of the old bridge
How is it significant? The Mollison Street Bridge is significant for aesthetic/architectural, historic, and technical reasons at a State level.
Why is it significant? The Mollison Street Bridge is of historical significance for its connection to the early settlement of the district as one of the principal crossings of the Campaspe River, and the role the bridge played in local politics. It demonstrates the significance of the railway as the major transport and communication to the town from its construction in 1861, and the role of political lobbying by the prosperous and influential electorate.
It is of technical significance as one of the dozen longest nineteenth century riveted plate girder bridges in Victoria and incorporates relatively closely spaced wrought iron cross girders, on which were originally timber stringers and timber planking. The skewed abutments and piers may reflect concerns for floods and the resulting engineering solution after the massive floods of the decade before had washed away many local bridges. The design therefore represents a relatively elaborate form of metal girder bridge.
It is of aesthetic or architectural significance as an outstanding example of nineteenth century bridge design incorporating local bluestone crafted to a high standard and stone and iron decorative elements such as the smooth finished pillars surmounted with ornate caps and lamp standards on the abutments and the variation of curved and straight wing-walls which balance the sharp skew angle,. The wrought iron lattice handrails and side fences and slight arching of the deck also contribute to the overall balance, while the treed setting completes the Old World landscape.
Classified: 10/11/2003