HO9 - Bridge over Djerriwarrh Creek
Disused section of the Western Highway MELTON WEST, MELTON SHIRE
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Statement of Significance
This place is included in the Victorian Heritage Register.
Refer to Heritage Victoria's record for this site.
Council's Statement of Significance for the site:
The old Ballarat Road Bridge over the Djerriwarrh Creek west of Melton, built 1858-59, is significant as a rare and highly intact example of a bridge built to accommodate gold-rush traffic, and for its unusual design and materials. The Djerriwarrh Bridge is architecturally significant at a STATE Level (AHC E1, F1). It is one of Victoria's oldest bridges of any type, and a rare intact 1850s road bridge. It is a notable and scarce example of a round or Roman arch bridge in Victoria. It is a rare sandstone masonry arch bridge in Victoria.
The Djerriwarrh Bridge is historically significant at a STATE Level (AHC A4, B2, D2) for its association with the internationally significant Victorian goldrush, and as a rare surviving example of a place built to accommodate 1850s gold-rush traffic. Its context of earlier tracks and fords associated with the original Portland Road has significance as rare evidence of pre gold-era transport in Victoria.
The Djerriwarrh Bridge and its cultural landscape context is scientifically significant at a STATE Level (AHC C2). The bridge retains tool marks associated with its quarrying. The related quarry, also has a high potential to provide information relating to gold-era construction practices.
The Djerriwarrh Bridge is aesthetically significant at a STATE Level (AHC D1, E1). The bridge itself is high, is constructed of an unusual bridge-building material, and has a rare and distinctive round arch. Its dramatic natural setting has been recognised as notable from the time of the goldrush.-
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HO9 - Bridge over Djerriwarrh Creek - Physical Description 1
Physical Description -
The Djerriwarrh Bridge over Djerriwarrh Creek is a single span round (or Roman) arch bridge structure constructed of local coursed sandstone. Substantially elevated, the single arched bridge is supported by large masonry abutments articulated with slightly projecting piers. The bridge is composed of three bays, with solid sandstone retaining walls flanking the arched opening.
The bridge has is relatively intact and has a high integrity. While all capping stones are intact, most have been vandalised, with names cut into the soft stone. The original tool marks in the soft stone are also weathering away. A dedication plaque on the bridge has been removed.
On the upstream side there is evidence of early timber groin or wing walls. This may be part of a longer term problem of scouring. The gouged abutments of the bridge and base of the stream have been repaired with concrete.
The setting of the bridge, in a deep escarpment with some remnant native vegetation, is notably beautiful and dramatic.
HO9 - Bridge over Djerriwarrh Creek - Historical Australian Themes
Melton Historical Themes: Transport.
HO9 - Bridge over Djerriwarrh Creek - Integrity
Integrity - Substantially Intact
HO9 - Bridge over Djerriwarrh Creek - Physical Conditions
Physical Condition - Good/Fair
Heritage Study and Grading
Melton - Shire of Melton Heritage Study phase 2
Author: David Maloney, David Rowe, Pamela Jellie, Sera Jane Peters
Year: 2007
Grading:
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BRIDGE OVER DJERRIWARRH CREEKVictorian Heritage Register H1658
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