Cargeeg's Bridge

Statement of Significance

The bridge has historic value for its association with the development of Martin in the early 20th century made more attractive through the provision of this bridge.

The bridge has historic value for its association with early landowner, developer and active community member George Cargeeg.

The bridge has aesthetic and research value as a rare example of a single lane timber bridge.

Physical Description

Cargeeg Bridge is a predominantly timber single lane bridge which has latterly had steel safety rails attached to both sides of the structure. A number of the timber supporting columns are in concrete footings and timber cross braces extend between the columns. Steel support columns have also been added either replacing original timber columns or to add additional support as traffic numbers have increased. The original timber board surface of the bridge has been replaced with asphalt. A pathway extends along the eastern side of the bridge. An additional safety barrier has been erected since 2010 separating the road way from the path.

History

In November 1906, George Henry Cargeeg wrote to the Canning Road Board (precursor to the Gosnells Road Board) offering to build a bridge over the Canning River 'near Gosnells'. (The West Australian, 25 November 1905, p. 15.) . The Road Board agreed to allow Cargeeg to have the timber from the old Canning Bridge (unknown location) and for the board to supervise the work and pay for the supervision only. This bridge was under construction in early 1906 and completed later that year.

George Cargeeg (1851-1925) had a large landholding along the river bank to Martin. Cargeeg owner of the Bon Marche business was active in the wider community, holding roles in the Baptist Union, YMCA and was a Justice of the Peace.

Following the establishment of Gosnells Cargeeg released his subdivided property to the market. The blocks along Mills Road and Albany Road were quickly sold. The provision of a bridge at this location was undoubtedly an attractive feature of this subdivision.

The bridge was replaced in 1939 by the Main Roads Department. The new bridge 300ft long and 16ft wide of jarrah and wandoo construction cost £3300, of which the £1300 was provided by the Gosnells Road Board. As noted in an article in the local press, 'the bridge provides a short cut from the hills to the Gosnells Station and will assist owners of quarries at the foothills'.

The bridge was most recently resurfaced in 1996 with concrete and several service pipes are attached to the underside of the bridge. It is one of the few single lane bridges in the Perth metropolitan area.

Integrity/Authenticity

Integrity: High degree
Authenticity: High degree

Condition

Good

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.