Published Resources Details
Conference Paper
- Title
- Francis Bell, a pioneer in metal truss bridges, overlooked by history
- In
- Engineering Heritage Victoria, Speakers Programme
- Imprint
- 14 April 2015
- Url
- https://www.engineersaustralia.org.au/Event/guest-speaker-program-francis-bell-pioneer-metal-truss-bridges-overlooked-history
- Abstract
Francis Bell had a hand in many engineering works, some of which are still very much in service, however even amongst the heritage community, he is hardly known.
A good example of his work is the Hawthorn Bridge takes Bridge Road across the Yarra River joining Richmond and Hawthorn. The present riveted wrought iron lattice truss bridge, supported on bluestone abutments and piers, was opened in 1861, replacing an earlier wooden bridge. This massive bridge is now the oldest surviving bridge over the Yarra.
Francis Bell CE, 1813-1879, came from Ireland and did important engineering work in New South Wales and Victoria on both road and rail metal bridges.