RAIL BRIDGE

Other Name

RIDDELLS CREEK RAIL BRIDGE

Location

OVER RIDDELLS CREEK, RAILWAY RESERVE RIDDELLS CREEK, MACEDON RANGES SHIRE

File Number

602477

Level

Registered

Statement of Significance

What is significant?

The Rail Bridge over Riddells Creek on the Melbourne-Bendigo line was designed by W. E. Bryson, and constructed in 1859 by the contractors Cornish & Bruce for the Victorian Railways. It is a single span, semi-circular arched stone structure, carrying a double track over Riddells Creek. It has battered piers to both sides of the arch and additional piers to close the abutments. It is faced with rusticated masonry with drafted edges, and features a parapet and a pair of engaged pilasters to either side of the opening.

How is it significant?

The Rail Bridge over Riddells Creek is historically and architecturally significant to the State of Victoria.

Why is it significant?

The Rail Bridge over Riddells Creek is historically significant, being constructed as part of the Melbourne-Bendigo-Echuca line, one of the 'main trunk' lines, c.1857 - c.1869. These were the formative years of railway development in Victoria. Consequently, it is also significant as one of the earliest bridges of its type constructed in Victoria.

It is architecturally significant as a representative example of nineteenth century bridge design, being picturesquely located in a park setting, featuring a well proportioned singular, semi-circular arch with dressed stone voussoirs and flanked by Doric pilasters. (Beeston, 1995)

Group

Transport - Rail

Category

Railway Bridge/ Viaduct