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Wheeler's Bridge over Birch's Creek

Other Names The Creswick Bridge ,  Jenkin's Bridge Location Creswick/Lawrence Road,, LAWRENCE VIC 3364 - Property No B6805 File Number B6805 Level Regional

[1/1] B6805 Wheeler's Bridge

Statement of Significance

This bridge, with its two spans of 22.9 metres clear, was only the third completed in Victoria using the early "Monier" system of reinforced concrete, after the Morrell Bridge across the Yarra in Melbourne and the Fyansford Bridge near Geelong. Only six multi-span bridges of this type were built in Victoria. The importance of the bridge is enhanced by its connection with John Monash, later General Sir John and his business partner Joshua Thomas Noble Anderson, subsequently a prominent and colourful figure in Municipal Engineering in Victoria. The partnership acted as Victorian agent for the Monier system representing the Sydney firm of Carter Gummow & Co which held the Australian licence. The technology was transfered from Germany through the Sydney firm. Wheeler's Bridge has a fair claim to being the first in which Monash & Anderson took the leading role in both design and construction. The story of Wheeler's bridge is closely linked with that of the Creswick district. The Creswick-Lawrence road passes through an area rich in goldmines, some of them once again in operation. At the time of construction, large quantities of 'English capital' were about to be invested and the road was expected to become a major artery. The Public Works Department and the local council felt that a substantial bridge would be required to carry heavy traffic. The bridge, with its tall central pier some 8 metres high is impressive in appearance when viewed from the banks of the creek. These have potential to be developed as an attractive tourist and picnic area.
Classified: 02/06/1997