“A fine example of bridge architecture spans the Elizabeth River at Campbell Town, in the Midlands…. Superb workmanship is reflected in these old bridges, and they should last for centuries.”
This is an excerpt from the Sydney Morning Herald published in October 1930 describing the convict-built Red-Bridge in Campbell Town, Tasmania, in the lead up to the Bridges 100th anniversary.
And the author was right. It has lasted for centuries and recently received an Engineering Heritage National Marker.
One of the best ways to conserve our heritage is to adapt it to a new use. Engineers are very good at doing this with the least possible impact on the heritage significance. The Red Bridge is a fantastic example of this as evident in its role as part of the main north/south transport route for close to 200 years.
The Red Bridge is a historic three span brick arch structure, completed in 1838 and in continuous use ever since. Prior to 1822, the Elizabeth River could be crossed by a ford during the summer, but in the winter the rising waters of the river spread out over a wide area creating an almost impassable bog. This really only affected a few people until settlers began to spread out from the original towns and into the Midlands. The increase in traffic led to the construction early in 1822 of an earth and log causeway.
Between 1830 and 1834 there were numerous reports about the unsafe condition of the bridge at Campbell Town and, although it was patched up from time to time by the road party stationed at Ross, there were no funds to build a permanent structure. In 1834 the Inspector of Roads, Roderic O'Connor, reported the bridge in a 'most ruinous state' and that a better site could be found. In August 1836 Arthur announced the construction of a new bridge, recognising the importance of the Launceston – Hobart route.
For the next 150 years, the bridge received only minor repairs. It wasn’t until 1987 that the poor condition of the masonry was highlighted as a major issue. This was due to age as well as the increase in traffic and changes in traffic over the 150 years. A program of works to repair the bridge was undertaken in 1990 and in 2000 strengthening and further repair works were undertaken by a Tasmanian company to allow for heavier truck loads now traveling the National Highway 1.
The bridge has been recognised with an Engineering Heritage National Marker for several reasons:
- The Bridge is one of the oldest surviving bridges in Australia and is the oldest surviving brick bridge in the country.
- The design shows great attention to aesthetic and architectural details.
- It was an important component of Governor Arthur’s strategy to upgrade the route for Hobart to Launceston and still remains so after the arches were internally strengthened to carry contemporary heavy truck loading in 2000.
The Marker was presented to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, The Honourable Mark Shelton by National President John McIntosh FIEAust CPEng EngExec NER APEC Engineer IntPE(Aus) and the Interpretation Marker was unveiled by Tasmanian Governor, Her Excellency Professor the Honourable Kate Warner and Ms. Janet Lambert, Councillor of the Northern Midlands Council.
Photo Caption: Ms. Janet Lambert with two military escorts in front of the Red Bridge, Campbell Town.