Williams River Road Bridge - Quindanning

Statement of Significance

This was the first bridge built over the Williams River on the main overland route between Perth and Albany. It was constructed by convict labour during 1855. Rough bush timber was used in its construction. (2). The third (and present) bridge was built in 1936. This was a realignment and widening of the second bridge. (4) With the requirement to link the main centre (Perth) with the main port (Albany) in the early years of the colony, a direct route was needed between these centres. Lieut William Crossman, of the Royal Engineers, travelled the line of road from Kelmscott to the Gordon River and from there across to Bunbury. His recommendation favoured the most direct line through what is now known as Armadale; then on to the Williams River and southward. He prepared an estimate of the cost of bridges which would need to be constructed over the many waterways and among them was one over the Williams River. The first bridge remained in service until 1911. During 1886 it was apparently in need of redecking for old police records reveal that one of the horses, used in conveying the mail coach, was injured while making a crossing. A good description of the structure appeared in of the "Narrogin Observer" in Jan 1911. INTERESTING OLD BRIDGE "The old Williams Bridge built many years ago is under extensive repairs. This is one of the oldest bridges in the State and was evidently built in rather a crude way, the piles being held together only by wooden plugs instead of iron bolts. That is was strongly constructed, goes without saying, when one takes into consideration that 56 tons of ballast were placed on top of the structure. Extra stringers are to be added to each 14 feet span between the standards and new piles in the centre of the pier. The work is under the direction of Mr Middleton of the Public Works Department." On partial dismantling and further inspection, it was finally decided that the old structure was too old and rotten to upgrade it for future use and a new bridge was built. (3) Over a lengthy period, this river has been known to flood during wet winters causing fencing to be washed away, sheep to be drowned and damage done to bridges, culverts and abutments. Possibly the worst flood of all took place in the middle of February. 1955, after almost three days of incessant rain during which time 10.5 inches were measured and the water level was over the middle rails. (5)

Physical Description

Site of original bridge adjoining present structure which is the Williams River, townsite crossing on Albany Highway.

History

The Williams River is little more than 45 miles long. It joins the Hotham River, just west of Mount Saddleback and the united streams are known as the Murray River. The source of the Williams River is in an area south of Dumbeming Siding. (1) It is uncertain who gave this river its name but is known that Captain Thomas Bannister crossed it in December 1830, while finding a land route to King George's Sound. A map in 1833 has marked thereon the Williams River. It is thought to be named after King William IV, the then monarch.

Integrity/Authenticity

First bridge 1855 (Convicts) Second Bridge 1911 (PWD) & Third 1936 - realigned and widened (PWD)

Condition

Site

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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