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Iron Road Bridge Over Leigh River

Location Shelford - Bannockburn Road, and Bannockburn-Rokewood Road SHELFORD, Golden Plains Shire Level Registered

[1/4] Iron Bridge over Leigh River [2/4] Shelford Bridge under [3/4] Iron Bridge, Shelford, c.1925. [4/4] Iron Bridge over Leigh River

Statement of Significance

National Estate Register:
The iron bridge at Shelford is one of a small number of wrought iron box girder bridges which survive in
Victoria. The structure is notable for inherent constructional and technological features in the design and as an
example of the work of C A C Wilson, an important figure in the history of bridge building in Victoria. Wilson
practised his profession for an incredible sixty four years (1846-1910) and was responsible for many iron,
timber and concrete bridges in western Victoria.
(The Commission is in the process of developing and/or upgrading official statements for places listed prior to
1991. The above data was mainly provided by the nominator and has not yet been revised by the Commission.
Taken from Victorian Heritag Register -
Source: Register of the National Estate
Building Citation
The iron bridge over the Leigh River at Shelford was erected in 1873/74 by the
Shire of Leigh, replacing an earlier timber structure of 1851. The structure,
which consists of two continuous hollow wrought iron girders over three spans
and supported on iron rollers attached to bluestone piers and abutments, was designed by Shire Engineer CAC Wilson, and fabricated in situ from components
cast by Ballarat founder, John Price.
The iron bridge at Shelford is one of a small number of wrought iron box
girder bridges which survive in Victoria. The structure is notable for
inherent constructional and technical features in the design and as an example
of the work of CAC Wilson, an import figure in the history of bridge building
in Victoria. Wilson practised his profession for an incredible 64 years
(1846-1910) and was responsible for many iron, timber and concrete bridges in
Western Victoria.
The iron bridge at Shelford has been superseded with the construction of a new
concrete bridge adjacent to the original structure. The bridge is to be
restored and used to carry light traffic.
Of state importance.
National Trust:
Some places were classified by the National Trust in the early years without a citation being prepared. These
are being gradually reviewed and citations are being prepared. Please contact the National Trust for more
information regarding the significance of this place.
Class: State