Colemans Bridge, Heritage-listed timber truss road bridge in Lismore, Australia
Colemans Bridge is a Dare-type timber truss road bridge carrying Union Street over Leycester Creek in Lismore. It has two timber truss spans of 32 metres each, plus timber approach spans, giving an overall length of 90.7 metres. A twin cylindrical cast iron pier stands at the centre, with timber trestles for the rest of the substructure. The deck holds a dual-lane carriageway at least 6.1 metres wide and a footpath on both sides, with an Armco guard rail for vehicles and a timber post-and-rail handrail along the walkways.
Built in 1907 by Sydney contractor W. F. Oakes, the bridge opened in November that year, replacing an older crossing that was demolished and served by a temporary bridge during construction. It was first called the Leycester Creek Bridge, then renamed in December 1907 after John Coleman, a recently deceased local state MP, at the request of the local council. It is an early example of Harvey Dare's timber truss design.
The bridge was renamed in December 1907 after John Coleman, a recently deceased state MP for the area, following a request from the local council. It was originally known as the Leycester Creek Bridge. Unlike the nearby Fawcett Bridge, it included provision for pedestrian traffic, a feature that proved popular.
Access is via Union Street where both vehicles and pedestrians use the bridge. The walkways are clearly defined and accommodate regular traffic in both directions.
Steel braces fixed to the top chord of the timber truss strengthen the outer pedestrian barriers, combining metal and wooden structural elements.
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