Campbell Bridge

by Peter Jones

There are two bridges at Bingara, the main bridge over the Gwydir River, (Campbell Bridge) and the smaller over Halls Creek. They are generally known collectively as ‘Campbell Bridge’.

The Campbell Bridge is of significant heritage value, not just because of its type of construction but also for its social and economic relevance to the town of Bingara and those communities that it links.  Campbell Bridge celebrated its 125th Anniversary in 2012.

Campbell Bridge painted whiteThe bridge was originally painted white but this changed during world war two as a white bridge was very visible from aerial perspective.

While many would like to see the bridge painted in its white livery again and some despair over its apparent poor state, it is a fact of life that the Roads and Traffic Authority does not have funds beyond basic maintenance. An estimated cost of $11,000,000 has been quoted by the RTA to re-paint the bridge.


News articles

The news items below are a series of newspapers article, written by Peter Jones, President of the Bingara District Historical Society, which appeared in the Bingara Advocate.

Under Campbell Bridge

Campbell Bridge – 125th Anniversary (4-Nov-11)
The Bridge finally opens The following extracts are from the report by the Bingera Correspondent, dated 8th November, which appeared in the Maitland Mercury & Hunter River Advertiser on 19th November 1886. The correspondent was present on the opening day and gives a very detailed account of proceedings;
[Read more…]

Some background on Mr W. R. Campbell (4-Nov-11)
I have discovered some detailed information on Mr W. R. Campbell from an article in The Town and Country Journal of 24th May 1890 as follows;
[Read more…]

Campbell Bridge – Technical Details (4-Nov-11)
There are two bridges at Bingara, the main bridge over the Gwydir River, (Campbell Bridge) and the smaller over Halls Creek. They are generally known collectively as ‘Campbell Bridge’.
[Read more…]

Thomas Hartwell’s recollections (3-Nov-11)
Thomas Hartwell worked on Campbell Bridge and supplied timber for its construction. His recollections of the bridge construction appeared in The Bingara Advocate, June, 26 1935. As you will see even he has the bridge opening details incorrect, which would seem very surprising as you would expect he was there for the opening.
[Read more…]

Campbell Bridge celebrates 125 years (18-4-2012)
The Campbell Bridge celebrations last Saturday saw over 30 people in attendence for the 125th Anniversary of the bridge opening and the unveiling of its new story board.  Special guests included Mark and Robyn Coulton while John Coulton, Catherine Egan and Peter Pankhurst represented the Gwydir Shire Council.
[Read more…]


Historical photos

Sourced from CD entitled “A photo album of EARLY BINGARA”, compiled by Richard Smith for Bingara District Historical Society.


Gallery

 

 

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