Conference Paper

Author

Venus, Richard

Title

A bridge over troubled water: Crossing the River Torrens, 1836-1856

In

2012 South Australian Engineering Heritage Conference - Transactions

Imprint

Engineers Australia, South Australia Division, Adelaide, 2012, pp. 43-61

Abstract

In the early decades of the Colony, Adelaide's River Torrens separated merchants from their goods, traders from their homes, and farmers from their mills: a safe and reliable crossing was essential. However, crossing the "little sylvan stream" proved to be a formidable task. The colonists were hamstrung by their lack of engineering materials suitable for the task, their lack of the necessary machines and equipment to build a suitable structure, and - most of all - their lack of an appreciation of what they were really dealing with. Time and again, the river became swollen with floodwaters which swept away their puny efforts: even their gallant attempt at a substantial stone bridge was ruined within days of its completion. As well as engineering problems, there were political tensions as well - first between the citizens and the Governor, then between the Municipal and Legislative Councils. At the heart of it all, then as now, was the question of who would pay for what. It took nearly 20 years before a safe and reliable bridge built of iron was finally opened: but until it did, crossing the Torrens was literally a matter of life and death - on average, two people drowned each year trying to get across the river.

Related Published resources

isPartOf

• 2012 South Australian Engineering Heritage Conference - Transactions edited by Venus, Richard (Adelaide: Engineers Australia, South Australia Division, 2012), 62 pp. Details