Tharwa Bridge, Allan truss bridge in Tharwa, Australia
Tharwa Bridge is an Allan truss structure that crosses the Murrumbidgee River in four sections with triangular timber components joined by an engineered truss system. The structure sits on concrete foundations and carries traffic in a single lane above the river.
The bridge opened in 1895 and became an important link connecting the growing community south of the river to the town center. The Allan truss design was a modern engineering solution for river crossings at that time.
The crossing point where this bridge spans the Murrumbidgee River held significance for the Ngunnawal people long before European settlement arrived. Visitors can sense this historical connection to the land when walking across the structure today.
Drivers should navigate carefully as the narrow single lane requires caution, especially when vehicles approach from opposite directions in the middle section. The best visit is possible by checking traffic from both ends and crossing slowly.
This is the oldest surviving bridge in the Australian Capital Territory and represents the earliest remaining Allan truss design in Australia. The fact that it remains in daily use makes it a rare example of a functioning Victorian engineering structure.
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