Talk:River Torrens

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Contents 1 Removed unverified statement 2 Uni Footbridge 3 Railway Bridges 4 Popeye 5 River Torrens Outlet

[edit] Removed unverified statement

I have removed

During the 19th century cargo ships were able to convey their loads up the river to the city from Port Adelaide, but this eventually gave way to rail and road transport. Nowadays the river is used only by tourist boats and rowing crew and known more for the green parklands along its banks.

as I can't find any other reference to support the claim. --ScottDavis 14:31, 20 May 2005 (UTC)

I have been reading up on Adelaide's history (now taking temporary break) and I hadn't come across anything mentioning the Torrens' navigability. The second claim is basic knowledge, though.--Cyberjunkie 14:33, 20 May 2005 (UTC)

The second sentence looked odd sitting out on its own, and needed rewording to remove "nowadays" and "only". The next paragraph says most of what's left better. You can put that bit back if you like. I think the first bit's wrong because the Torrens doesn't come out at the Port anyway. I have heard of a plan (don't know how well developed) to put a channel up the middle of Port Road for the purpose. I'd want to find a reference before writing that in Wikipedia, too. --ScottDavis 01:19, 21 May 2005 (UTC)

Thankyou, the Torrens was never navigable to the gulf. A famous quote (the source is at the Port Adelaide Library, but I can't remember the reference) states that is was more expensive to move goods from a ship at berth at Port Misery to Adelaide, than it was to move goods from London to Port Misery.

It's quite well known that they originally planned to build a canal along the middle of Port Road from Port Adelaide to the city, that's why the median strip on Port Road is so wide. I don't know off the top of my head of any references to this. GK1 11:19, 28 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Uni Footbridge

The University Footbridge was donated by Lily and Eva Waite (of Waite Institute family fame). A plaque to that effect exists on at least the University end of the bridge. As an interesting anecdote the bridge was blown up as a prosh stunt around 1996 (memory fails me as to the right year). At that time it was rumoured to have been a chlorine and oil bomb. As a result a fist size hole was made in the concrete walking deck. Windows in the student union, sciences and CSIRO were blown in. The bang was heard in the Uni bar despite the loud noise comig from the music being played there. Walking over the bridge some minutes later the strength of the bomb was apparent. Yes I was there.. no I didn't do it, I was only a lowly Arts student with no bomb making ambititions. Ozdaren 10:10, 19 June 2006 (UTC)

I notice the bridge is purported to join the University and Peace Park. Is that correct? It was built to connect the University and the University Oval. It links Victoria and War Memorial Drives. Ozdaren 12:46, 19 June 2006 (UTC)

The Adelaide City Council has the bridge listed as being buit in 1936 http://www.adelaidecitycouncil.com/council/publications/Agendas/PLC/2006/2006_04_19PLC_Item_5.1_-_Attachment_C_-_Part_1.pdf Ozdaren 13:59, 19 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Railway Bridges

Other bridges to cross the Torrens include the SA Railways bridges. The first bridge was built in 1856 "It was constructed of timber with 100 foot clear way and consisted of trussed girders, braced diagonally, springing from stone abutment based on concrete foundation protected by sheet piling". Thompson, Malcom & Sampson, Bob (2006) . Bridges over the River Torrens. 150 years of the Port Adelaide Railway 1856 to 2006. pp. 24-26. Ozdaren 10:10, 19 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] Popeye

The boats currently used by the Popeye service are not the originals. The current fleet stems from the 1980's and replaced much older boats. Keith Altmann has operated the Popeye service for the last 40 years. The comment "the Popeye is viewed affectionately by Adelaideans, even if quite aged." is not accurate. Ozdaren 13:54, 19 June 2006 (UTC)

[edit] River Torrens Outlet

I think it would be good if this article mentioned about the construction of the River Torrens Outlet (it's artificial) and the original outlet through the swamp that is now West Lakes into the Port River. I can't really write about it, because I don't know of any references to it. A bit of research at a library or some old maps might be in order. GK1 11:16, 28 July 2006 (UTC)

Yes, sounds like a good idea. Go for it! Shiftaling 13:02, 28 July 2006 (UTC)