Yass Shire Council in New South Wales has established a Landscape Committee to oversee the conservation of the historical landmarks that were the Hume Bridges, which spanned the Yass River for over a century.The Committee is seeking suggestions from the local community on how the arches may be conserved and used, and will encourage community participation with its conservation.
The bridges themselves feature ornate lattice girders and arches. The first bridge – Bow Bridge – was opened in 1854. Due to deterioration by termites, that bridge was closed in 1870; however, construction of another bridge began that same year.
While the second bridge was under construction, massive floods caused damage to this bridge. This prompted the constructors to lift the height of the bridge by eight feet, and by July 1871 a new iron bridge was opened. A major change to the bridge occurred during World War II when the arches were raised three feet to allow aircraft trailers to use the bridge. The bridge was replaced by the present three span steel and concrete structure in 1977.
Much has been asked about what has become of the bridges, and their future. Many suggestions have been provided as to what can be done with the arches, with Council allocating funds for its conservation in its 2002/2003 budget.
For further information, contact Council’s Planning Services Manager, Ben Pontonn on (02) 6226 9234.
