Macleay River railway bridge, Kempsey

The Macleay River Railway Bridge is a railway viaduct across a river in New South Wales with five spans of different construction types. Three steel truss sections alternate with two sturdier spans to create a stable crossing over the water.

The structure was built between 1915 and 1917 using steel components made locally. After suffering severe flood damage, it was later reinforced and raised higher to better withstand future flooding.

The bridge shapes the local landscape as a functional railway structure from the early 20th century. It has connected communities along the North Coast line for generations, becoming part of how people experience travel in the region.

The viaduct is a visible element of the railway line that can be viewed from nearby roads or from surrounding vantage points. The best spot for photos and observation is from the nearby riverbanks or adjacent bridges.

The structure contains recycled steel sections from older railway bridges that were relocated from another line as reinforcements. This resourceful reuse of materials shows how engineers approached building projects with thrift in mind.