Historic bridges of New South Wales

As time passed, techniques and materials were developed that allowed greater spans to be crossed and therefore expansion of the colony into otherwise inaccessible areas.

For example, at the time of early settlement, (1788 onwards) NSW was very isolated from the technological advances being developed in Europe and North America.

The government came to see that this was a major problem holding back economic development in New South Wales.

In solving these problems, colonial NSW embraced the innovations produced by others and adapted them successfully to the unique situations presented.

Furthermore, as the skills for quarrying and stone dressing became available, masonry bridges began to be designed and built.

His design consisted of vertical and diagonal arrangements comprising a combination of timber and iron elements.

Allen's design followed extensive testing of Australian hardwoods by Prof. Warren and his early engineering students at Sydney University.

For this reason the trusses were built in pairs to facilitate work on a particular element without requiring the whole bridge to be supported, as was the case with previous timber designs.

Harvey Dare was a leading engineer in the Public Works Department, and a prominent figure in early 20th century NSW.