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Weeroona Avenue Bridge over the Bendigo Creek

Other Name King's Bridge Location Weeroona Avenue,, BENDIGO VIC 3550 - Property No B7071 File Number B7071 Level State

[1/1] B7071 Weeroona Avenue Bridge

Statement of Significance

The 1901 two-span reinforced concrete arch bridge is of scientific and historical significance at the State level.
It has scientific significance as an extraordinary example of the Monier arch bridges designed and constructed by Monash & Anderson. Although similar in design and construction to the single span bridges built in Bendigo at the same time, this bridge is of two spans and has an unusually high 50 degree skew, the highest for any Monier span in Australia, and possibly the world. This two span bridge represents a resourceful response to the problems of the site following the catastrophic failure of the firm's single span design originally built on the site, which had pushed the boundaries of the new reinforced concrete technology. The bridge demonstrates an important stage in the firm's achievements in the development of reinforced concrete technology, and in early twentieth century engineering.
It has historical significance as one of six bridges surviving from a group of eight related bridges that are associated with Bendigo's early twentieth century drainage system and urban improvements. It demonstrates enhanced significance as one of the group. It also demonstrates the Bendigo Borough Council's confidence in the new technology of the time.
It also has historical significance as one of the early achievements of John Monash, later Sir John Monash, who played an important role in the early development of reinforced concrete design and construction in Victoria before he achieved fame as Australia's most distinguished World War One general, and first General Manager of Victoria's State Electricity Commission.
Classified: 02/10/2000