Angle Vale Bridge, Gawler River
South Australia was founded in 1836 and in its first 13 years little was done about the construction of roads and bridges. Most of the early bridges were rough timber logs thrown across streams. These bridges generally were washed away by floods.
There was pressure on the government to provide better roads and bridges and in 1849 the Central Roads Board was created.
The Central Roads Board identified a need for a reliable form of bridge that could survive most floods and be cheaply constructed from local materials. The use of iron for bridge construction was compromised by the necessity to be fabricated in Britain.
Edmund Wright, an engineer, and architect wrote a prize-winning essay identifying laminated timber arch bridges using local or imported timbers as suitable.
Initially the Board constructed 15 bridges with horizontal laminations that cost about one quarter of an iron bridge. These bridges were found to lack durability. Engineers then changed the standard design to use Red Gum soaked in paraffin to deter white ants. The laminations were changed from horizontal to vertical and the joints then covered with iron to prevent ingress of water.
Tenders were called for the Angle Vale Bridge in February 1876 and the bridge opened in November 1876.
The Angle Vale Bridge was masonry abutments at each end with curved wingwalls. Four laminated timber arch ribs spanning between the abutments support stringers which carry the roadway. Lateral bracing between the arch ribs carries transverse loads.
The Angle Vale Bridge represents an example of a unique South Australian innovation to solve a local problem of using durable local materials to construct large span bridges. The use of vertical laminations appears unique.
The bridge was replaced in 1966.
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | Heritage Engineering Marker (HEM) |
| Award Date | November 1988 |
| Heritage Significance | |
| Nomination Document | Available here. |
| Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report |
Available here. |
| Plaque/Interpretation Panel Image | Not Available |
