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Bunbury St Bridge & Tunnel

Location

Bunbury Street FOOTSCRAY, Maribyrnong City

File Number

20229

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

[1/2]
HO107(1) - Rail Bridge over
[2/2]
HO107(2) - Rail Bridge over

Statement of Significance

The Bunbury tunnel and bridge is of historical and technical significance at the Metropolitan level. The South Kensington to West Footscray goods line was a major construction project considering the amount of basalt which was required to be removed. Excluding the City underground loop it incorporates one of the few railway tunnels in the suburban area and is the largest of these. Construction of the bridge and tunnel involved the first such urban cut and fill tunnelling using an arched concrete lining. The transition from tunnel to bridge in a tight urban context stretched the engineering of the time. Construction of the bridge and tunnel involved the first such urban cut and fill tunnelling using an arched concrete lining. The transition from tunnel to bridge in a tight urban context stretched the engineering of the time. (Criterion F1) As a combined bridge, tunnel and cuttings on various levels, it is a unique engineering construction and cultural landscape, which reflects the advanced state of railway engineering in Victoria in the early 20th century. (Criterion A3)

The construction of the line in conjunction with the Albion to Broadmeadows goods line reflects the changes to operation of Victorian railways in the early 20th century as greater importance was placed on country railways, particularly the growth of interstate passenger services and the increase in freight traffic between country Victoria and western New South Wales and the Melbourne Ports. (Criterion D2)

Australian Heritage Commission (AHC) criteria

The Australian Heritage Commission criteria consist of a set of eight criteria which cover social, aesthetic, scientific, and historic values. Each criterion has sub-criteria written specifically for cultural or natural values. The relevant criteria are:

F.1 design or technological achievement .

A.3 richness and diversity of cultural features

D.2 good example of type

Group