The Fitzgerald Bridge is a bridge that carries the New England Highway over the Hunter River to the north of Aberdeen, New South Wales, Australia.
Fitzgerald Bridge | |
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Coordinates | 32°09′24″S 150°53′07″E / 32.1568°S 150.8852°E |
Carries | New England Highway |
Crosses | Hunter River |
Begins | Aberdeen, New South Wales |
Owner | Transport for NSW |
History | |
Opened | 26 July 1893 (1st) December 1986 (2nd) June 2014 (third) |
Location | |
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History
editThe original metal lattice truss Fitzgerald Bridge was opened on 26 July 1893.[1][2] In 1937 the wooden deck was replaced with concrete.[3] In December 1986 the bridge was duplicated with a nearly identical second warren truss bridge built by Britton & Kell to carry northbound traffic with the original converted to carry southbound traffic.[4] In June 2014 both were replaced by a single structure to allow heavier trucks to operate.[5][6][7] The 1893 bridge was retained as a pedestrian and cycle bridge while the 1986 bridge was demolished.[8] It was named after Robert Fitzgerald.
References
edit- ^ Opening of the Aberdeen Bridge Scona Advocate 25 July 1893 page 2
- ^ Fitzgerald Bridge Daily Telegraph 29 July 1893 page 8
- ^ Fitzgerald Bridge Muswellbrook Chronicle 26 February 1937 page 5
- ^ Annual report for year ended 30 June 1987 Department of Main Roads
- ^ Contract awarded for Fitzgerald Bridge at Aberdeen Minister for Infrastructure 14 November 2012
- ^ Fitzgerald Bridge built to withstand major flood ABC News 2 June 2014
- ^ Fitzgerald Bridge replacement project at Aberdeen Nelmac
- ^ Old bridge to serve a new purpose The Nationals 23 July 2014