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Barwon Bridge over Barwon River

Location Moorabool Street,, GEELONG VIC 3220 - Property No B7305 File Number B7305 Level File only

[1/1] B7305 Barwon Bridge

Statement of Significance

File note 21/09/2012:
The four lane Barwon Bridge carries Moorabool Street over the Barwon River, and is located on the site of the first Barwon crossing.
The first wooden bridge opened early in 1848. Tolled by the South Barwon council, 4 years later it was swept away in a massive flood on 23 May 1852. From December that year a government punt operated at the site. By late 1853 two government punts were used to form a pontoon bridge. It was not until 1859 that a proper iron bridge was opened as a replacement. The bridge was narrow, and was only two lanes wide. The old iron bridge was too narrow to permit the extension of trams into Belmont, so was dismantled 1924.
The new bridge was designed by Country Roads Board engineer D V Darwin and opened on 18 August 1926 by Governor of Victoria Lord Sommers. Of concrete and steel girder construction, it was built by Armstrong Whitworth Pty Ltd, it cost 73,900 pounds ($147,800) to build. The 1926 bridge was widened to four lanes in 1966 with the addition to each side of the deck. (Geelong Advertiser)