SHEPHERD SWINGBRIDGE ABUTMENT FOUNDATIONS
NAPIER STREET FOOTSCRAY AND FOOTSCRAY ROAD WEST MELBOURNE, MARIBYRNONG CITY, MELBOURNE CITY
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Statement of Significance
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SHEPHERD SWINGBRIDGE ABUTMENT FOUNDATIONS - History
In 1895, the Melbourne Harbour Trust constructed a swing bridge over the West Melbourne Swamp, connecting Napier Street and Footscray Road. The wrought iron lattice truss bridge, designed by John Monash, allowed allowed boats further access to the river by pivoting from a central pier. The bridge was replaced in 1958 and named after Ernie Shepherd (Leader of the Labour Opposition), who died suddenly that year.
The abutments from the eastern side of the swing bridge were removed under Consent C316. It was discovered at that time that the western abutments were no longer there, with only the bolt holes remaining in the 1959 bridge stonework. It is believed the wing walls remain within the existing bridge foundationsSHEPHERD SWINGBRIDGE ABUTMENT FOUNDATIONS - Interpretation of Site
The abutments probably date to the original bridge construction from 1895. Underneath the current Shepherd bridge on both sides of the river are the remains of the bluestone bridge abutments of the swing bridge. Somerville (pers comm) has indicated that the wooden traffic divider was removed some time ago to allow vessel navigation along the river. It is unlikely that remains of this structure exist as they would lie in the path of the current shipping channel and would have been removed as a navigation hazard.
This feature would be highly significant if it had been designed by John Monash, and was the only swing bridge in the study area. Further work required to assess full significance of the site.
Heritage Inventory Description
SHEPHERD SWINGBRIDGE ABUTMENT FOUNDATIONS - Heritage Inventory Description
Underneath the current Shepherd Bridge on both sides of the river are the remains of the bluestone bridge abutments of the swing-bridge.
Underneath the current Shepherd bridge on both sides of the river are the remains of the bluestone abutments of the swing bridge.
Abutments, archaeological deposits and possible buried timber piles on seabed.
Physical Conditions: Excellent
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FOOTSCRAY RAILWAY STATION COMPLEXVictorian Heritage Register H1563
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HENDERSON HOUSEVictorian Heritage Register H0183
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ERCILDOUNEVictorian Heritage Register H0494
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