Old Redbournberry Traditional Cache
Ngaambul: No response from the owner within the last 28 Days and as per the original note this cache has been archived. If you wish to replace it please submit a new cache via this link.
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Size: 
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Located on the remnants of the "Original" Redbournberry Bridge 2km East of Singleton, which has now been replaced with a new crossing immediately upstream. The old bridge is now used as a pedestrian / cycle crossing of the Hunter River East Singleton. Please BYO pen / pencil to log find.
RTA Bridge Number: 1519
The RTA conducted a report on the old bridge on 16 March 2001:
Statement of significance: The Redbournberry Bridge over the Hunter River has significance because:
* it has been an important item of infrastructure in the history of New South Wales for over 110 years,
* it was a technically sophisticated bridge structure for its time,
* it has strong aesthetic lines,
* it contributed significantly to the social and commercial development of the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales.
* it is an good representative example of this type of bridge.
This bridge has been assessed as being of State significance.
Designer: John A McDonald
Builder: A C Shadler & Co
Construction years: **** - 1891
Physical description: The Bridge over the Hunter River is a major bridge. It is a conventional three-span continuous iron lattice bridge among the shortest of the new series of John A McDonald's lattice bridge designs, having spans of 28-36-28m. The overall length of the Bridge is 375m with 26 timber beam approach spans and a single steel beam approach span. It is 5.7m wide between kerbs and has 4 cast iron diaphragm-tied piers. The main spans have a buckle plate deck on metal crossgirders. The trusses are metal, half through lattice trusses. The main piers are twin metal cylinders
Physical Condition and/or Archaeological Potential:
The Bridge is in good condition.
Historical notes: These iron lattice bridges are the most significant bridges of the colonial period. They were the major bridges of their time and carried the burgeoning road network across many of the major rivers in New South Wales. Whereas the construction of timber truss bridges extended over a long period, from the 1860's to the 1930's, and was associated with three prominent engineers in the Department of Public Works (Percy Allen, E M De Burgh and Harvey Dare), the construction of the iron lattice bridges was confined to a short period, from 1881 and 1893, and all were designed by bridge engineer John A McDonald. Despite the dominance of timber bridges, there were rivers whose size and flood histories required much larger spans in order to maximise the clear waterway. From 1870 to 1893 lattice bridges from England and Belgium were the choice for these major bridges . The Hunter has more than any other area.
Listings:
Heritage Listing (Heritage Act - s.170) NSW State agency heritage register; Register of the National Estate
Local Environmental Plan; Regional Environmental Plan
Assessment of Significance
Historical Significance: The Bridge has a high historical significance as it is on a main road. It is a large bridge with long spans over a major river, indicative of the then burgeoning road network. It has historic associative value based on its ability to represent the endeavours of local settlers, with their need for safe and reliable access across the Hunter River. It is associated with bridge designer John A McDonald. It significantly helped open up the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales.
Aesthetic Significance: Aesthetically, the Bridge with its long lattice trusses and elegant piers presents an imposing yet attractive reminder of the past. It has strong aesthetic lines that enhances the aesthetics of its environment. The curved ends give a sense of grace and elegance to this design. As such, the bridge has aesthetic significance.
Social Significance: Because of their numbers, the complete set of lattice truss bridges gain high social significance. The Bridge also has significance to the local community. The Bridge has contributed significantly to the social and commercial development of the Hunter Valley region of New South Wales.
Integrity/Intactness: Intact
Representativenes: A fine representative example of an iron lattice truss bridge.
Rarity: ****
Assessed Significance: State
Other Stuff:
Before the Western approach spans were demolished after the new bridge had been completed it was the longest wood-span bridge in NSW. The Australia Heritage Register (in 1989)notes: "The western approaches consists of twenty five spans, each of about 10.7m, totalling about 260m, all timber girders. There is a sharp bend in plan, partway along the length. This structure is both of considerable age and length for a timber girder bridge. The bridge as a whole is therefore of considerable technological significance. The bridge is in use. The main spans appear to be in excellent condition and are in their original state. The timber approach on the western side does not appear to be in good condition and may require maintenance." - Locals were divided on their love or hate of this at the time, it was especially exciting to sit under the timber approach spans and watch the bridge flex signifacntly as cars and heavy vehciles passed overhead...)
As a local flood evacuation route to higher ground the Redbourneberry bridge is the last available exit point for Singleton residents. It closes when the river reaches 14.1m at Dunolly Bridge River height guage.
The new bridge cost over $9 million, constructed by John Holland Group.
There are picnic tables and parking facilities on the Eastern side of the River around S32 33.752 E151 11.897.
Some links:
(visit link)
(visit link)
Please note: This is an urban cache in a muggle frequented area. Stealth / good timing is normally required. The cache is hidden so muggles should not find it, please try not to give away the location or create unwanted attention - people may be watching!
Additional Hints
(Decrypt)
Zntargvp. Vs lbh sbhaq "Gur Pebffvat" lbh'yy svaq guvf pnpur.
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