Back to search results

RAIL BRIDGE
OVER MOLLISONS CREEK, PYALONG, MITCHELL SHIRE

All information on this page is maintained by Heritage Victoria. Click below for their website and contact details.
Victorian Heritage Register
RAIL BRIDGE SOHE 2008
RAIL BRIDGE SOHE 2008
RAIL BRIDGE SOHE 2008
1 rail bridge over mollisons creek pyalong side elevation apr1995
rail bridge over mollison's creek pyalong plan
On this page:

Statement of Significance

What is significant?

The Rail Bridge over Mollison's Creek was constructed in 1889 by the firm of McDermott & Sons, on the Wandong-Bendigo Line, for the Victorian Railways. It is a 26-span, timber trestle bridge, with a timber deck that carries a single track over Mollison's Creek. The line was closed in 1968 and the track and timber sleepers have been removed.

How is it significant?

The Rail Bridge over Mollison's Creek, Pyalong is historically and architecturally significant to the State of Victoria.

Why is it significant?

The Rail Bridge at Pyalong is historically significant as an important reminder of the Wandong-Heathcote-Bendigo Railway. The line was important as it was used to supply the Bendigo mines with shaft timbers, and for the transportation of wool and sheep (BPC, 1968). It is also an example of a rail bridge constructed as a result of the 'Octopus Act' of 1884.

The bridge is architecturally significant as a notable example of timber trestle bridge construction, and demonstrates a distinctive and presently rarely used construction method, utilising the best qualities of native bush timbers. It is a typical and substantially intact example of a timber trestle bridge, using stay piles and timber longitudinal girders supporting the rail deck.

Show more
Show less

    • History

      RAIL BRIDGE - History

      The Rail Bridge at Pyalong is historically significant as an important reminder of the Wandong-Heathcote-Bendigo Railway, along with the similar bridge over Hansford's Creek, Pyalong. It was used to supply the Bendigo mines with shaft timbers, and for the transportation of wool and sheep (B.P.C, 1968). It is also an example of a rail bridge constructed as a result of the 'Octopus Act' of 1884. Richard Speight was one of three commissioners appointed to oversee a massive program of railway capital works. Richard Speight and Duncan Gillies, the Minister for Railways and Roads, were widely criticised for their mismanagement of the railway construction program, which resulted in huge deficits for the Government. (Harrigan, 1962) (Beeston, 1995)

      Permit Exemptions

      RAIL BRIDGE - Permit Exemptions

      General Conditions
      1.All alterations are to be planned and carried out in a manner that prevents damage to the fabric of the registered place or object.
      2. Should it become apparent during further inspection or the carrying out of alterations that original or previously hidden or inaccessible details of the place or object are revealed which relate to the significance of the place or object, then the exemption covering such alteration shall cease and the Executive Director shall be notified as soon as possible.
      3. If there is a conservation policy and plan approved by the Executive Director, all works shall be in accordance with it.
      4. Nothing in this declaration prevents the Executive Director from amending or rescinding all or any of the permit exemptions.
      5. Nothing in this declaration exempts owners or their agents from the responsibility to seek relevant planning or building permits from the responsible authority where applicable.

      No permit is required for works on the deck of the bridge, the incorporated superstructure which supports the track, for the maintenance of operational and safety standards, or for any emergency works relating to the substructure and superstructure of the bridge.

      Permit Exemption Policy

      RAIL BRIDGE - Permit Exemption Policy

      The purpose of the permit exemptions is to allow works that do not impact on the significance of the place to occur without the need for a permit. Track works and maintenance to the bridge that does not affect the structure or appearance of the bridge do not require a permit. Maintaining the picturesque setting of the bridge should be taken into acount when considering a permit application.

Public contributions

Note: Developments may span multiple time periods
Timeline browser

< to 1849
< - 1849
1850 to 1879
1850 - 1879
1880 to 1909
1880 - 1909
1910 to 1939
1910 - 1939
1940 to 1969
1940 - 1969
1970 to 1999
1970 - 1999
2000 to >
2000 - >