Gasworks Bridge, MacArthur St, Parramatta NSW
Posted by: 
3l diesel
S 33° 48.884 E 151° 00.752
56H E 316050 N 6256609
The Gasworks Bridge crosses the Parramatta River and is a significant Australian colonial bridge.
Waymark Code: WMA8EB
Location: New South Wales, Australia
Date Posted: 12/02/2010
Views: 18
Whereas many bridges in the Australian colonies were constructed in timber and a few in stone, the lattice truss Gasworks Bridge is an example of the technological development of bridges in Australia. It forms a very distinctive line in bridge development and the interested visitor will do well to compare this bridge with the earlier Lennox Bridge (Waymark WM8P78) about 1km upstream.
According to the NSW Roads and Traffic Authority Heritage Register (see link), the lattice truss was a more economic form of construction compared to earlier cellular wrought iron girder construction (which had been used in railway construction - some examples of which are still extant).
The bridge was designed by bridge engineer Mr John A McDonald.
The bridge carries two lanes of road traffic and has a pedestrian walkway cantilevered off the western side. It has three main spans and is supported on sandstone piers.
Parking is available at any number of locations nearby, but much is "pay by ticket" parking. Free parking is somewhat further away in the direction away from the main centre of Parramatta.
Parking Coordinates:: N 33° 48.978 W 151° 00.823
Date Built: 01/01/1885
Length of Span:
110m long in three main lattice truss spans each 31m long and two steel beam approach spans. It is 6.85m between kerbs.
www:
http://www.rta.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/index.cgi?action=heritage.show&id=4301684
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Visit Instructions:
Log your find with a picture of the bridge with yourself or your GPS in the foreground. This shot does not have to be taken "on" the bridge. The shot should show the "truss" structure of the bridge as well.