Historical information

This bridge was built in 1902, replacing a previous structure that crossed the Moyne River from 1857 and linked Belfast with Belfast East, as the two areas of Port Fairy were then known. Prior to that, passage over the river was via a ford (an underwater stone track that allowed wagons to cross when the river was low) located just north of where the current car bridge stands. The present bridge survived the great flood of 1946, but has been the subject of innumerable patch-up jobs over its 114 years.
In 2012, the bridge underwent a detailed structural assessment and was given the OK for the next eight to 10 years, notwithstanding the need for regular maintenance works. At the time, it was estimated a new bridge would cost between $2-3 million. It was extensively refurbished in 2016

Significance

Sole means for traffic to cross to the east side of Port Fairy

Physical description

Black and white photograph

Inscriptions & markings

Moyne River Port Fairy