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Lynch's Bridge over Maribyrnong River

Other Names

VicRoads Structure ID. SN2658 , National Trust Bridges Database Reg. No. 4018

Location

Ballarat Road and Smithfield Road (Princes Highway), FOOTSCRAY VIC 3011 - Property No B7347

File Number

B7347

Level

State

Statement of Significance

What is significant? Lynch's Bridge is situated across the Maribyrnong River at an early crossing place for roads to the Western District and Geelong. It is the third bridge on the site, constructed in 1935 and is of structurally composite construction in steel and concrete. The bridge is of 5 spans with a total length of 108 metres.
How is it significant? Lynch's Bridge is significant for aesthetic/architectural, historic, social and scientific (technical) reasons at a State level.
Why is it significant? Lynch's Bridge is of historical significance for its association with one of the earliest crossing places of the Maribyrnong River where Michael Lynch operated a punt and the associated hotel (the Pioneer Hotel) from 1849. It was the site of the second bridge erected over the tidal section of the Maribyrnong, thereby reducing the route west from Melbourne by several kilometres. Because of its early date and strategic position, it soon became the major route west of Melbourne. Known as 'Lynch's Bridge' even after Lynch ceased to be associated with the bridge and through three stages of reconstruction, the bridge played an important role in communication and local history of the Western Suburbs and as a symbolic gateway to the industrial and working class suburb of Footscray. The bridge is evidence of the important historical association between hotels and crossing places. It is also of Historical significance for the association (through the location and name of the bridge) with the previous lift bridges on the site designed to allow the passage of ships, and therefore reflects the former use of the river for navigation and service of riverside industries.
It is of technical significance as one of the first composite steel and concrete bridges designed so that the reinforced concrete deck works in composite action with the steel beams through a system of welded lugs, forming a structural unity. It comes only a few years after the Tambo River bridge of 1932, where the CRB pioneered this experimental and innovative design.
It is of aesthetic or architectural significance as a large landmark structure with elaborate and prominent art deco decorative elements in the pillars, light fittings, parapets and guard fences.
Classified: November, 2005

Group

Transport - Road