Poole Street Footbridge

Statement of Significance

Poole Street Footbridge adds to the landscape across the Avon River and provides a place for viewing the river landscape and its flora and fauna. It has historical significance, for associations with the Goldfields Water supply Scheme pipeline between 1917 and 1958. The bridge has rarity value, having served as both a pipeline bridge and footbridge at the only major river crossing built for the Goldfields Water supply Scheme. It has social significance, for use by the working class population of West Northam and by migrant workers in the 1950s. It is aesthetically pleasing and contributes to the character of Northam

Physical Description

Poole Street Footbridge crosses the Avon at the western end of town at a height of approx 3 metres above river level. The bridge is approx 150 m long and 2 metres wide, with a footway of 1200 mm. It has a slow incline from either bank to the central horizontal section over the river channel. Timber piles of approx 300mm in diameter form 36 piers of 2 piles at approx 4300mm intervals. It has timber crossheads, cross bracing, stringers and decking. The decking and handrails are replacements.

History

The bridge was associated with the development of the Goldfields Water Supply Scheme and is representative of wooden bridges built by the PWD early this century. It was built to carry the G W S pipeline and to provide a footbridge for the townspeople of Northam, linking the two sides of the river, providing easy access from the Perth road to the Northam Railway Station, West Northam, and the nearby shops, hotel, houses and the railway workshop. In summer Northam children used the bridge for access to Burlong Pool, and in the 1950s the bridge was well used by the many European migrants temporarily settled at the Holden Migrant Camp. The pipeline was shifted in 1958 to a new bridge in Burn Street. Proposed closure in 1994 prompted opposition

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: Moderate/high degree
Authenticity: Moderate/high degree

Condition

Despite the poor condition of the footbridge decking, overall Poole Street Footbridge is in fair structural condition

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

Publish place record online (inHerit):

Last Update

Disclaimer

This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.