Local campaigning for a bridge at Morpeth began as early as 1870, but was not successful until tenders were called in the Government Gazette, 17 August 1896
Work on the bridge began in November 1896 and the bridge was constructed over three years, officially opening on 15 June, 1898.
Morpeth bridge is the oldest surviving example of an overhead braced Allan truss road bridge in service, and is one of three surviving overhead braced timber truss road bridges in NSW. Timber truss bridges were important in the development of the road network in NSW and, through this, the expansion of rural NSW, particularly the mining and agricultural sectors, was facilitated.
Interesting to hear the history of how the bridge was constructed and when. I see they have replaced the support structure below the bridge so a mix of old and new! Nice shot Babs!
Bridges with sort of roofs look so impressive Babs......quite lovely going over that one! Have been checking out where Morpeth is....looks a delightful place to live!
Like the history. Bear with me over the next few weeks as we are on holiday and I know internet connection is going to be very patchy. I'll catch up when I can and post for the days I'm missing as well as catching up on my friends' projects. Keep shooting!
Sorry everyone, I have only just realized that I haven't replied to your lovely comments on this picture.
Peter will be pleased to know that I will be asking questions about Morpeth at the end of the month to see how much of the history you have all remembered. ha ha. Only kidding!
I just love our old bridges and they are sadly being replaced by new ones. There is an Allan truss bridge at Hinton. I have a photo of that and will post it in the next couple of days.
Getting late now, so off to bed.