McFarlane Bridge, Clarence River

Harvey Dare, Public Works engineer, designed this curved track bascule bridge c1900 based on an 18th century scheme by the French engineer-mathematician B F de Belidor.

Dare approximated the correct curve, a cardioid, by six partial circular arcs of varying radii.

The bridge was built by Mountney & Co., Pyrmont, opened on 9 April 1906 and named after the local Member, John McFarlane MLA. Of 8 such bridges built in NSW, this and only two others survive.

These bridges were built on navigable rivers at the height of the river-coastal shipping trades which were the only highways for many rural communities.

McFarlanes Bridge.

The Engineers Australia plaque.

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James Craig, Barque location map.

Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type	Engineering Heritage Marker (EHM)
Award Date	9 April 2006
Heritage Significance	The sophisticated geometry of the lifting span exemplifies the engineering skill of a leading proponent of the profession in his time.
Nomination Document	Available here.
Ceremony Booklet	Not Available.
Plaque/Interpretation Panel	None Installed.