Hawthorn Bridge, Road and tram bridge near Burnley, Australia
Hawthorn Bridge spans the Yarra River with substantial riveted wrought iron lattice trusses supported by bluestone abutments and piers across its 100-meter length. The structure connects Bridge Road with Burwood Road, allowing vehicles and trams to cross the river five kilometers east of Melbourne's center.
The bridge was completed in 1861 during the Victorian gold rush infrastructure wave. Its original iron components caught fire aboard a ship in Hobsons Bay, causing delays before construction could finish.
The bridge served as the terminus of Melbourne's first tram line and shaped how the city's transportation network developed. It shows how infrastructure connected different neighborhoods and changed daily travel for residents.
The bridge is easily reached on foot from Hawthorn and offers views of the river and surrounding area. Best visited in early morning or late afternoon when foot traffic is lighter.
The structure is the oldest surviving bridge crossing the Yarra River and ranks among Australia's earliest metal bridges still in use today. Its endurance is remarkable given the extreme stress from daily modern traffic.
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