Wagga Wagga Railway Lattice Bridge and Viaducts, Murrumbidgee River

This railway crossing of the Murrumbidgee River and floodplain was planned by John Whitton, Engineer-in-Chief for Railways 1856-90. Assembled from components manufactured in England, the 4-span continuous wrought iron lattice bridge was completed in November 1880.

The original timber viaducts were completed in 1879 then replaced by the present steel plate web girders during 1897-1901; at the time it was the largest application of steel in New South Wales.

In February 2007, the lattice girder bridge was replaced by a 210 metre long, 13 span precast plank underbridge. It has river and land piles supporting piers and headstocks all constructed under the fully operational existing rail bridge. The work was designed by Cardno (NSW) Pty Limited and constructed by Arenco. A part of the demolished bridge are displayed on the Waga Wagga river bank.

As part of the rail link between Sydney and Melbourne through the Riverina, these structures have been of immense national value.

Wagga Wagga lattice girder bridge.

The long approach spans, originally timber were replaced with steel in 1901 and more recently the trestles have been encased in concrete.

The Engineers Australia plaque seems to be available in two versions.

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Wagga Wagga Railway Lattice Bridge and Viaducts location map.

Engineering Heritage Recognition Program

Marker Type	Historic Engineering Marker (HEM)
Award Date	11 November 1995
Heritage Significance	As part of the rail link between Sydney and Melbourne through the Riverina, these structures have been of immense national value.
Nomination Document	Available here.
Ceremony Booklet	Available here.