Red Bridge (Tasmania)

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Red Bridge, Tasmania
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.

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

[edit] References

  1. ^ Red Bridge. Cintec International. Retrieved on 2007-08-10.
  2. ^ Tasmania - Transport Spending. Australia Department of Transport and Regional Services (11 May 1999). Retrieved on 2007-08-10.
  3. ^ Local Attractions. Campbell Town Online Access Centre. Retrieved on 2007-08-10.
  4. ^ Tasmanian Memorials - Campbell Town Convict Brick Trail. The Gardens Family. Retrieved on 2007-08-10.
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