Gairloch Bridge - 125th anniversary

Gairloch Bridge, ca.1904. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 42625

In November 1891, construction of the Gairloch Bridge, a low level bridge crossing the Herbert River near Ingham, was completed. Building commenced in early 1890, however floods and a cyclone slowed its progress. Gairloch Bridge was designed to withstand submersion during flooding and is one of Queensland's earliest surviving examples of bridges incorporating concrete in the construction. At the time of its completion the total cost of the bridge was reported as £7437 16s 7d.

The Gairloch Bridge was designed by Queensland Government architect and bridge engineer, Alfred Barton Brady. Brady would later design Maryborough's Lamington Bridge in 1893 and Brisbane's Victoria Bridge in 1896 (demolished in 1969).

Gairloch Bridge was entered into the Queensland Heritage Register on 17 July 2008. Detailed information on the bridge and its historical significance is available on their website.

Gairloch Bridge, ca. 1922. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 156020

Gairloch Bridge, ca.1931. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland. Neg 145658

Gairloch Bridge, 1953. John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland

Myles Sinnamon - Project Coordinator, State Library of Queensland