King's Bridge (Launceston)

King's Bridge is a wrought-iron bridge crossing the South Esk River at the mouth of the Cataract Gorge in Launceston, Tasmania.

King's Bridge
South Esk Bridge
Coordinates41°26′25″S 147°07′38″E
CrossesSouth Esk River
LocaleLaunceston, Tasmania
Characteristics
Designarch
MaterialWrought iron
Total length220 feet (67.1 m)
Longest span190 feet (57.9 m)[1]
No. of spans1
Piers in water0
No. of lanes2
History
ArchitectWilliam Thomas Doyne
Fabrication byCharles de Bergue, Manchester with additional span by Salisburys, Launceston
Opened1864
Inaugurated4 February 1864
Rebuilt1904
Location

Construction of the bridge began in 1864. The bridge span was constructed in Manchester, England and was transported to Launceston for final assembly. At the time it was named the Cataract or South Esk Bridge and it was the only form of vehicular crossing of that river in Launceston.

In 1904, a second, parallel span was added to widen the bridge. This span was almost identical to the original span, but was fabricated locally in Launceston, instead of overseas.[2]

Engineering heritage award

The received a Historic Engineering Marker from Engineers Australia as part of its Engineering Heritage Recognition Program.[3]

References
  1. "SOUTH ESK BRIDGE". Launceston Examiner. Vol. XXIII, no. 154. Tasmania, Australia. 23 December 1863. p. 8 (MORNING.) – via National Library of Australia.
  2. "Kings Bridge". Australian Broadcasting Corporation. 15 March 2009. Retrieved 26 February 2019.
  3. "King's Bridge, South Esk River, 1864-". Engineers Australia. Retrieved 2 May 2020.
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