Sappers Bridge

Statement of Significance

The Sappers Bridge has historic significance as it a good example of army construction using natural materials. It is one of only a few bridges spanning the Frankland River.
The Sappers Bridge has social significance as it is part of a growing environmental movement of bushwalking using the internationally- significant Bibbulmun Track, which traverses the landscape from Kalamunda (near Perth) to Albany.

Physical Description

All timber (jarrah) bridge using large logs with strong steel cables, topped by wooden planks.

History

Rebuilt by the 22nd Construction Squadron, Royal Army Engineers (Sappers), on behalf of the National Parks Authority of Western Australia, as a construction exercise in October 1982, following flood damage to the original crossing in January 1982. The floods, following a cyclone, led to 125 year ARI (average recurrent interval) level floods in towns like Nannup and Tambellup. The Frankland River, which the Sappers Bridge crosses, was similarly affected by the deluge. The Sappers Bridge, which is one of the few bridges which crosses the Frankland River, is also on the world-renowned Bibbulmun Track, so is regularly used by pedestrian traffic.

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.