NRS-12453 | Plans of bridges

Full description

This series consists of approved plans, final design plans for construction, or sketches relating to design of old bridges, those still in existence as well as demolished bridges or copies of plans (where no original appears to have survived). Included in the series are major bridge plans, plans of smaller bridges with unique or unusual design features, or plans for bridges over 100 feet in length which necessitate special design provisions. Plans of significant bridges are those where a new construction technique is used, where the bridge is the first of its type, or where the bridge is unique in some significant way. Bridges in this category include: Sydney Harbour Bridge and The Spit, Gladesville, Tarban Creek, Pyrmont and Captain Cook Bridges.

These plans are on transparent drafting paper or linen. Some of drawings appear to be heliotype plans showing the bridge as constructed.

There are number of minor bridge plans. When several bridges were constructed to a standard design only one example is usually retained.

While there was early involvement of Public Works in the building and maintenance of bridges this appears to have eventually passed as a responsibility to Main Roads. In some cases work was done by Public Works on behalf of Main Roads from at least 1926 (see AGY-4016).
It is understood that this series does not reflect the original order of the creating agencies, but that the plans were assembled into this series for the convenience of users or for reference purposes. There is insufficient information to enable for restoration of the original order.