De Burgh's Bridge

De Burghs Bridge crosses the Lane Cove River in Sydney, Australia. It carries Lane Cove Road, part of Metroad 3 from Macquarie Park in the south to West Pymble in the North.

History

First Bridge

The current De Burghs Bridge is the second bridge to cross the Lane Cove River in this area. The first bridge, also called De Burghs Bridge, was designed By Ernest M De Burgh, for whom the bridge is named, in 1899. It opened on February 23, 1901. It was situated downstream from the current bridge, within metres at the southern end, and about 20 metres away from the current bridge at the northern end.

The bridge consisted of a single De Burgh timber truss which, at 50 m, was the longest timber truss span ever built in Australia.

Unfortunately the old bridge was destroyed by bushfire in January, 1994. One can see the northern abutment on the ground, and can also see parts of the supporting piers from the vantage point of the new bridge.

Second Bridge

The bridge was replaced by a large concrete bridge, the current bridge, and it opened in December, 1967. The current bridge is a six lane high level bridge that, unlike the original timber truss, is perpendicular to the river. This demonstrates how far road and bridge building had progressed by the 1960s, as previously it was dictated by the form of the land. One can see how the newer road and bridge is built right over any land formations, in contrast to the winding old road. The current bridge is actually two separate bridges built alongside each other.De Burgh's Bridge is similar in form and function to Roseville Bridge, being a high-level multi-lane bridge replacing a low level, narrow bridge as well as windy approach roads.

Today

De Burghs bridge is an important part of a significant North-South artery which is the next road between the Northern Suburbs and the lower Northern Suburbs after Pennant Hills Road. The bridge carries three lanes of traffic each way and a pedestrian walkway on either side of the bridge. A plaque placed on the bridge pays tribute to the old bridge. It was placed there in 1988 before the destruction of the old bridge.

References

References

(1) "De Burghs Bridge", Bicentennial Plaque affixed to bridge, De Burghs Bridge.