Conrad Gargett’s heritage team have been trusted with the task of developing concepts for an engaging and inspiring experience for Gundagai locals and tourists to commemorate and celebrate the now dismantled portion of the iconic Gundagai Prince Alfred Timber Road Viaduct Bridge.The Gundagai Prince Alfred Timber Road Viaduct Bridge is a highly significant piece of history in Gundagai, recognised at one stage as the longest timber bridge in New South Wales, with the demolished section spanning a length of over 700m, and performing for over 79 years as a vital connector of the Hume Highway, linking the northern and southern ends of the town. After being superseded, decommissioned and then closing in 1984, the bridge stood disused for 37 years until being carefully dismantled in 2021, following serious safety concerns.Conrad Gargett’s concepts focus on two potential sites; Location A at the elevated former entry and exit of the bridge off Prince Alfred Drive (location 16 of the current Gundagai Heritage Walk), and Location B, in the flood plains below at O.I.Bell Drive.The proposal for Location A includes creating a dedicated safe viewing area at the northern abutment overlooking the flood plain with a suspended wire sculpture of the bridge in perspective (illuminated at night), as well as a series of interpretative panels telling the history with photographs and stories of the old bridge. The proposal for Location B is to reinstate part of the former bridge trestle in the flood plains and incorporate an interpretive wire sculpture depicting vehicles and animals on the bridge. Both sites are proposed to include a captivating digital experience, with QR codes linking to virtual models of the bridge, as well as historic photos, videos and stories from locals. Car parking and bollards/seats made from salvaged bridge timbers are also proposed.The soundscape of the bridge has been identified as an important element to capture – with the combination of rattling timbers, cars and noisy animals etched in the memories of locals.
Conrad Gargett’s heritage team have been trusted with the task of developing concepts for an engaging and inspiring experience for Gundagai locals and tourists to commemorate and celebrate the now dismantled portion of the iconic Gundagai Prince Alfred Timber Road Viaduct Bridge.The Gundagai Prince Alfred Timber Road Viaduct Bridge is a highly significant piece of history in Gundagai, recognised at one stage as the longest timber bridge in New South Wales, with the demolished section spanning a length of over 700m, and performing for over 79 years as a vital connector of the Hume Highway, linking the northern and southern ends of the town. After being superseded, decommissioned and then closing in 1984, the bridge stood disused for 37 years until being carefully dismantled in 2021, following serious safety concerns.Conrad Gargett’s concepts focus on two potential sites; Location A at the elevated former entry and exit of the bridge off Prince Alfred Drive (location 16 of the current Gundagai Heritage Walk), and Location B, in the flood plains below at O.I.Bell Drive.The proposal for Location A includes creating a dedicated safe viewing area at the northern abutment overlooking the flood plain with a suspended wire sculpture of the bridge in perspective (illuminated at night), as well as a series of interpretative panels telling the history with photographs and stories of the old bridge. The proposal for Location B is to reinstate part of the former bridge trestle in the flood plains and incorporate an interpretive wire sculpture depicting vehicles and animals on the bridge. Both sites are proposed to include a captivating digital experience, with QR codes linking to virtual models of the bridge, as well as historic photos, videos and stories from locals. Car parking and bollards/seats made from salvaged bridge timbers are also proposed.The soundscape of the bridge has been identified as an important element to capture – with the combination of rattling timbers, cars and noisy animals etched in the memories of locals.
