Local Government
Northampton
Region
Midwest
Geraldton-Ajana Rlwy Northampton
on a property off Walsh Road, north of Isseka. The c. 1879 bridge is a ruin. The c. 1910 bridge is in better condition.
Two bridges - one is a ruin
Northampton
Midwest
Constructed from 1874, Constructed from 1879
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 15 May 2020 |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHP - To be assessed | Current | 27 May 2005 | |
| RHP - Assessed - Below Threshold | Current | 29 Apr 2005 |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Statewide Lge Timber Str Survey | Completed | 11 Dec 1998 | ||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 19 Apr 1996 | Category 1B | |
The railway bridge has very high historic, social, aesthetic and scientific significance as a remnant of the first government railway and its associations with the earliest mineral fields in the State. Its significance also derives from the contribution to the lives, occupations and social structure of Northampton and what were formerly the Gwalla and Wanerenooka mines.
The railway bridge is located on private property at a picturesque crossing over the Bowes River. The path of the redundant railway line is still apparent through adjoining paddocks and the stone abutments at the creek crossing look strong and in a reasonable condition. The timber superstructure of the bridge is deteriorating with the removal of some sleepers from the deck and the general timber construction suffering through white ant damage. The railway bridge was, and to a degree still is, a substantial structure and remnant of the first government rail line in the State which needs to be protected.
The first government railway was built between Geraldton and Northampton to service the increasing output of the mineral fields. Although construction commenced in 1874 the line was not opened until 1879 having cost twice its intended cost and by which time the price of lead had slumped. Chronology Entries 1877 The first 28km of the Northampton Railway was opened. 26/07/1879 The Geraldton-Northampton Railway was completed and officially opened by Governor Ord. 1957 The Geraldton-Northampton-Ajana Railway was closed, the last train ran on 29 April.
Modifications: Rail removed, Orig'l Fabric: Original stone abutments and timber bridge work
Poor
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Murszewski, A; "Feasibility Study into leisure trail conversions of the Geraldton to Galena and Wokarina to Yuna Railway Lines", | MidWest Trails Group. | 1999 |
Other Built Type
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | Transport\Communications | Road: Bridge |
| Present Use | VACANT\UNUSED | Vacant\Unused |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATIONS | Rail & light rail transport |
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.