The historic Gairloch Bridge, opened for traffic on 4 November 1891, holds a unique place in Australia’s engineering heritage. Designed by Alfred Barton Brady, it was the first submersible road bridge of its kind in the country. Submersible bridges, built lower than traditional flood-level bridges, were a cost-effective solution to crossing waterways in flood-prone areas.
Brady's innovative design minimised obstructions to floodwaters and the debris they carry, ensuring durability and functionality even during major floods. Remarkably, the Gairloch Bridge is the only known road bridge of this design constructed in 19th-century Australia. It remains a testament to resourceful engineering in an era that prioritised practical solutions to challenging environments.
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