Quindanning Bridge over Williams River

Physical Description

Situated on the Williams River near the present Quindanning Hotel.
First bridge dated 30/1/1895 set the pattern for this crossing, with a kink in the otherwise straight
road to accommodate the 'normal' crossing of the Williams River. (1) No records found of
construction date (believed to be 1895, but certainly completed by 1897), cost or builder's name.
Bridge configuration was 31/15'0" spans (465' total), 10'6" between kerbs. 2 driven piles/pier (12"
min. dia.), 4 stringers/span (12" dia.), 15" dia. fullcaps over peirs, with no corbels. 4" decking.
Road was known as Quindanning Road in 1895. Physical remains of bridge in 1996 include the
eastern approach embankment, and a few fragments in the river channel.
Second bridge dated 1/8/1947 and construction completed in 1948. (2) Specified as a Class 'A'
bridge - Max axle load 10 tons. Bridge built just downstream (north) from the old bridge, with an
unusual feature being the twisted deck to accommodate the opposite superelevation at each
approach.
Bridge configuration was 2/19'1", 17/20' spans, 18' between kerbs. 3 driven piles/pier, 4
piles/abutment, 4 stringers/span (19" dia. wandoo), 14"x7" halfcaps. Designed by 'manpowered'
engineering staff, the bridge featured 9"x5" longitudinal decking supported on 10"x7" transverse
bearers.
Road was still known as Quindanning Road in 1947/48. This bridge remains as the basis of the
current structure.
Major maintenance and construction of a reinforced concrete deck overlay in 1991 saw the
superstructure widened from 5.49m to 7.20m between kerbs. (3)

History

The site of very early crossings of the Williams River in this area. Crossing point (stone ford)
established in 1872, approximately 70 metres upstream from the current bridge. This crossing still
accessible during summer months. (4)
The area is named after the Quindanning Pool on the Williams River just below the bridge, being
discovered by Alfred Hillman in January 1835. The name would appear to be derived from the
Aboriginal words meaning 'happy times', quinda - happy,, times, hours.
The Quindanning townsite was declared on 4 October 1907. (5)

Integrity/Authenticity

Modifications: Some 1991
Extent of Original Fabric: Most

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

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