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The Beechworth Burke Museum
From the collection of The Beechworth Burke Museum
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Photograph, c. 1927 - 1930

  • A bridge under construction in sepia. The perspective is from inside the bridge, looking along to one end, with iron trusses on either side, iron struts and bracing above, and floor beams below strewn with wooden planks.

    1997.3190 (cropped)

  • A bridge under construction in sepia. The perspective is from inside the bridge, looking along to one end, with iron trusses on either side, iron struts and bracing above, and floor beams below strewn with wooden planks.

    1997.3190 (obverse)

  • The back of a photograph, cream in colour, covered in cursive text, identifying numbers written in pencil, and printing service stamps.

    1997.3190 (reverse)

  • A bridge under construction in sepia. The perspective is from inside the bridge, looking along to one end, with iron trusses on either side, iron struts and bracing above, and floor beams below strewn with wooden planks.
  • A bridge under construction in sepia. The perspective is from inside the bridge, looking along to one end, with iron trusses on either side, iron struts and bracing above, and floor beams below strewn with wooden planks.
  • The back of a photograph, cream in colour, covered in cursive text, identifying numbers written in pencil, and printing service stamps.

Historical information

Taken during the construction of the Bethanga Bridge (1927-1930), this sepia photograph shows a view of the incomplete bridge taken from inside the structure and looking down the span of the bridge from where the photographer stands. The photograph depicts an incomplete deck, with loose-looking wooden planks/panels lain along the centre in groups of three. Once complete, the original decking of the bridge was made of timber before being replaced by cement in 1961 (Victorian Heritage Database).

Significance

Bethanga Bridge is of historical significance to the Indigo Shire for its associations with the construction of Hume Dam, its associations with the River Murray Waters Agreement and the River Murray Commission, and illustration of the needs and influence of the farming communities along the river in this area - particularly in relation to the building of the Weir. It also represents the collaboration between New South Wales and Victoria on a large infrastructure project, being the only built structure shared by both New South Wales and Victoria due to its location. also reflecting on the Shire's geographical closeness to this neighboring state.

This photograph is part of a series that documents the construction of this well-known heritage site of significance to the Indigo Shire. It reflects upon a period of growth and change in the area.

Physical description

Sepia, rectangular photograph printed on matt photographic paper, unmounted

Inscriptions & markings

Reverse: 1997.3190 / Another snap of the bridge. taken on the bridge showing huge steel sides / 84-19-4 / V [in circle] 354 / KODAK PRINT

Subjects

References

  • BETHANGA BRIDGE The Victorian Heritage Database listing for Bethanga Bridge
  • Bethanga Bridge: The Bridge that Spans Two States A digital copy of the interpretative panel for Bethanga Bridge found through Engineers Australia heritage register. Logos on the document suggest the signage was created in collaboration/with support of NSW Roads & Maritime Services, Vic Roads, and the Victorian State Government. NOTE: the QR code linking to more information on the project is no longer active and no further information on "the project" alluded to found on the original website. The Engineers Australia website also features a disclaimer noting no warrant of accuracy for the information contained on the website. This document, however, appears to be legitimate with branding/acknowledgement by reliable bodies.
  • Engineers Australia Engineering Heritage Victoria Engineering Heritage Australia, Heritage Recognition Program: Nomination for the BETHANGA BRIDGE A digital copy of an EHA Heritage Recognition Program nomination for Bethanga Bridge found through Engineers Australia heritage register. NOTE: The Engineers Australia website features a disclaimer noting no warrant of accuracy for the information contained on the website. This document, however, appears to be well referenced.
  • The Recently Completed Bethanga Bridge, Riverina. Newspaper article from The Australian Worker dated 10 December 1930 and sourced from Trove. This article announces the completion of the Bethanga Bridge, with some minimal details with regards to details of the construction/completion.
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