Unusual bridge explained
The first traffic bridge built across the Murray River linking Yarrawonga with Mulwala was a wooden structure
started in 1889 and completed in 1891.
It was located near the site of the present bridge at the Yarrawonga end , and some of the wooden pylons are still visible when the level of Lake Mulwala is low.
The first bridge became unsafe from about 1915.
Work to replaced it with the present concrete and steel structure began in 1917, but was not completed until 1924.
This was before Lake Mulwala was formed in 1939 following construction of the dam wall and weir, a little way downstream from the bridge.
The weir allowed the creation of an irrigation system in the area.
There is a second river crossing provided along the top of the weir wall. It's a single lane road, and is sometimes used as a stock route.
This crossing is due to be closed in 2020.
On his first visit to Yarrawonga in 1948, the author of this website was told of a rumour that the designer of the bridge from the Victorian side had committed suicide after the bridge was completed with its unusual bend and dip in the middle.
However, the official explanation for the way the bridge turned out blames bad communications between the governments of Victoria and New South Wales.
Construction began at both ends of the bridge as separate projects by each government.
Their work was uncoordinated, which resulted in the bend and dip being necessary to make the two ends meet at the same level.
Planning for a completely new bridge is under way, and at least three options for its placement have been discussed by various authorities and local communities. The original time-table involved completing the bridge in 2020.
started in 1889 and completed in 1891.
It was located near the site of the present bridge at the Yarrawonga end , and some of the wooden pylons are still visible when the level of Lake Mulwala is low.
The first bridge became unsafe from about 1915.
Work to replaced it with the present concrete and steel structure began in 1917, but was not completed until 1924.
This was before Lake Mulwala was formed in 1939 following construction of the dam wall and weir, a little way downstream from the bridge.
The weir allowed the creation of an irrigation system in the area.
There is a second river crossing provided along the top of the weir wall. It's a single lane road, and is sometimes used as a stock route.
This crossing is due to be closed in 2020.
On his first visit to Yarrawonga in 1948, the author of this website was told of a rumour that the designer of the bridge from the Victorian side had committed suicide after the bridge was completed with its unusual bend and dip in the middle.
However, the official explanation for the way the bridge turned out blames bad communications between the governments of Victoria and New South Wales.
Construction began at both ends of the bridge as separate projects by each government.
Their work was uncoordinated, which resulted in the bend and dip being necessary to make the two ends meet at the same level.
Planning for a completely new bridge is under way, and at least three options for its placement have been discussed by various authorities and local communities. The original time-table involved completing the bridge in 2020.