Ultimo Road Railway Underbridge

Ultimo Road Railway Underbridge is a cast-iron structure that passes beneath street level and features three separate spans with central supports. The work connects the former harbor rail line using wrought-iron girders and cast columns added later that distribute the weight of passing trains.

Built in 1879 by the New South Wales Public Works Department, this structure replaced an earlier timber bridge from 1855 that could no longer handle growing cargo volumes. Around 1900 additional cast-iron supports were added to carry heavier locomotives and greater loads.

The structure shows how engineers of that era solved problems posed by expanding cargo transport to the harbor. Visitors can see the craftsmanship in the metalwork and understand how central port trade was to the city's growth.

The structure is part of the urban rail network and can be viewed from the public way that passes over it. The best views of the work appear from below or the sides, where the metal components and supports are clearly visible.

The unusual construction feature of this bridge is a central girder that runs exactly between two railway tracks, creating the visual impression of two separate bridges sharing one support. This design allowed builders to reduce material costs while still supporting both rails effectively.

Location: New South Wales

GPS coordinates: -33.88116,151.20182

Latest update: December 14, 2025 14:23