Kennedy Bridge, Bundaberg

The Kennedy Bridge, constructed in 1899 in Bundaberg, Queensland, is a prime example of bridge engineering and construction from the late 19th century in Queensland. The bridge spans Saltwater Creek, an offshoot of the Burnett River, in central Bundaberg.

In the 1880s, the previously quiet country town of Bundaberg began to thrive due to its sugar industry. The Kennedy Bridge, in conjunction with its counterpart the Burnett River Bridge, completed in Bundaberg the following year, are symbolic of this turning point in the progress of the town, and the strengthening of its connection to the outside world.

Designed by Alfred Barton Brady, Government Engineer for Bridges at the time, this bridge has served the community well for over 120 years. The Department of Transport and Main Roads maintains a active maintenance program to ensure its ongoing serviceability.

The Kennedy Bridge is composed of a single steel span of two longitudinal hog-backed lattice trussed girders. The span is 170 feet (51.8 m) and is “carried on massive concrete abutments on pile foundations driven to a depth of 50 feet (15.24 m) below water level. The roadway is formed of steel trough plates filled with concrete, and covered with tarred metal.” The bridge allows for a single lane of traffic in each direction, with an additional pedestrian walkway on the southern side.

Being located in the centre of Bundaberg, the Kennedy Bridge is integral to the historic character of the town and an excellent example of 1890’s bridge engineering by one of Queensland’s most renowned civil/bridge engineers.

Recent photo 2023
Source: Engineers Australia EHQ

Construction at the time
Source: Steve Connell Collection, The University of Queensland Fryer Library

Early Days
Source: Kennedy Bridge c1911 (State Library of Queensland Neg. No. 138233)

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Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type	Engineering Heritage Marker (EHM)
Award Date	EHM was awarded in 2022
Heritage Significance	This bridge stands as a fine example of a steel hog-back lattice trussed girder bridge, a popular bridge type in Queensland in the late 19th Century. The finesse of the classical pilasters and the use of concrete as a material is quite singular and illustrative of the architectural and engineering advancements of the time.
Nomination Document	Available here.
Ceremony Booklet Ceremony Report	Available here.
Plaque/Interpretation Panel	Available here.