Red Bridge (Tasmania)

The Red Bridge in Tasmania crosses the Elizabeth River at Campbell Town. Built in 1838 using penal labour, it is the oldest surviving brick arch bridge in Australia,[1] as well as the oldest bridge anywhere on the National Highway.[2] The bridge contains three arch spans of 7.6 m (25 ft) each and holds two lanes of traffic as well as pedestrian walkways. It lies on the Midland Highway, roughly halfway between Hobart and Launceston, carrying over two million vehicles per year.

Red Bridge
Red Bridge, Tasmania
Coordinates 41°55′58″S 147°29′34″E
CarriesMotor vehicles and Pedestrians
CrossesElizabeth River
LocaleCampbell Town, Tasmania,  Australia
Heritage statusRegistered
Characteristics
DesignArch bridge
MaterialBrick and Stone
Longest span7.6 metres (25 ft)
No. of spans3
History
DesignerJames Blackburn
Construction start1836
Construction endJuly 1838

It is said to have been designed by James Blackburn, architect to Melbourne and a convict himself.[3] It was constructed of 1,250,000 handmade bricks on dry land, and after its completion the river was diverted to flow under the bridge.[4]

The Red Bridge is registered on the Register of the National Estate since 1978.

The bridge received an Engineering Heritage National Marker from Engineers Australia as part of its Engineering Heritage Recognition Program.[5]

References
  1. "Red Bridge". Cintec International. Archived from the original on 5 July 2007. Retrieved 10 August 2007.
  2. "Tasmania - Transport Spending". Australia Department of Transport and Regional Services. 11 May 1999. Archived from the original on 12 September 2007. Retrieved 10 August 2007.
  3. "Local Attractions". Campbell Town Online Access Centre. Archived from the original on 4 September 2007. Retrieved 10 August 2007.
  4. "Tasmanian Memorials - Campbell Town Convict Brick Trail". The Gardens Family. Archived from the original on 4 September 2012. Retrieved 10 August 2007.
  5. "Red Bridge". Engineers Australia. Retrieved 7 May 2020.

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