The concrete box girder bridge is commonly known as the Singing Bridge, derived from the musical sounds its railings generate during strong winds acting as a wind harp.[1]
History
About 1928, a ferry service started carrying passengers between the two townships across the Myall River. Later, cars were added, resulting in peak queues during holiday periods of up to six hours.[1] The Tea Gardens-Hawks Nest Bridge was completed and opened by the New South Wales Minister for Public Works on 6 April 1974.[2]: 8 In response to this demand a A$1.2 million bridge was placed immediately downstream, eliminating the ferry service.[1]
Description
The bridge is of girder construction, made of both prestressed and reinforced concrete. It is 304.3 metres (998 ft) long, with seven 35.3-metre (116 ft) and two 28.3-metre (93 ft) spans. It carries a two-lane road 7.3 metres (24 ft) wide and two pedestrian walkways 1.5 metres (5 ft) wide.[2]: 33 Clearance is 10.6 m (34.8 ft) at high water.[3]
The Jean Shaw Koala Reserve is located at its northeastern end, part of a wildlife corridor to the Myall Lakes. Koalas have been known to cross the bridge at night.[4]
References
^ abcEngel, Brian A.; Winn, Janis; Wark, John (March 2001). "Tea Gardens Walk". Brian A. Engel. p. 6. Retrieved 15 March 2009.