Ross Bridge, Macquarie River
Background
Ross Bridge is the fifth oldest surviving bridge in Australia, with construction commencing in 1833 and completed in July 1836 using convict labour.
Ross Bridge was designed by John Lee Archer who was appointed Government Engineer in 1825 and remained in that position for eleven years. The bridge was an integral part of the development of the midlands and was part of the transport link between Hobart, Launceston and the north-west.
The bridge was constructed by two convict stonemasons, Daniel Herbert and James Colbeck, with a gang of convict labour under the direction of Captain William Turner, Commandant of Ross. Herbert created the unique ornamentation of the arches. Both stonemasons were emancipated on completion of the bridge which was officially opened by Lt Governor Arthur on 21 October 1836.
The extraordinary carvings of Daniel Herbert are the most exceptional pieces of 19th century sculpture in Australia. For those icons to be made by a convict artisan in circumstances of minimal supervision is remarkable.
Carvings on bridges are very rare in Australia and in England. The Ross Bridge is of cultural significance as the only bridge in Australia and in England with such extensive carvings (186 in number).
The Ross Bridge is widely acknowledged as the most beautiful bridge in Australia. The extraordinary carvings on each stone of each arch make it the most remarkable piece of convict art in Australia. The Celtic origins of the bridge carvings are not entirely understood.
The bridge has three spans of 8.8m and is constructed of local brown sandstone in regular coursed ashlar work with tooling marks evident on the lower courses. The bridge width is 8.0m between parapets with copings on a simple string course and run between stone terminating columns. Curved stairways lead up from the river banks at all four corners. At the springing point of the arches the two central piers have cut waters to assist with the passing of floodwater.
The only major change to the bridge has been the removal of the original road filling in 1976 and replacement with lime stabilised gravel, and the placement of a rubber water-proofing membrane to waterproof the bridge deck.
While the Midland Highway now bypasses Ross, the bridge remains in service and provides access to the historic town from the highway.
Engineering Heritage Recognition Program
| Marker Type | National Engineering Marker (NEM) |
| Award Date | 2003 |
| Nomination Document | Nomination document |
