Road Photos & Information: Western Australia
Bridges
Eyre Highway entering Western Australia from South Australia, December 2007. Image © Paul Rands.
General Information:
Many of Western Australia's early bridges were built from timber, which was both plentiful and incredibly strong. Jarrah, karri, and eucalyptus species were commonly used, and thanks to their durability, some of these bridges have remained in use for decades. As bridge design has evolved, so have the materials, with masonry, steel, and concrete becoming more common over time.
Timber bridge over Deep River (North Walpole, WA):
Located in the Mount Frankland South National Park in the state's southwest, Deep River makes its way through large areas of old growth karri and jarrah forest. The area is home to some of the state's oldest karri trees and features Deep River which winds its way through the park, cascading over granite boulders at Fernhook Falls. The river flows to the Walpole Inlet and out to the Southern Ocean. 1
NEW Beardmore Road over Deep River:
Looking east along Beardmore Road as it crosses the Deep River via a timber bridge in North Walpole, May 2021.
Image © Paul Rands
NEW Beardmore Road over Deep River:
Looking northwest from Fernhook Falls as Beardmore Road crosses the Deep River via a timber bridge in North Walpole, May 2021.
Image © Paul Rands
Timber Bridge Overbridge (Collins, WA):
In the early 20th century, the WA state government focused on improving access across the state, especially in remote and rural areas, by building reliable roads and bridges. This made it easier for people to travel to nearby towns for shopping, church, and social events, while also helping mining operations with freight movements as well as improving the way farmers transported their crops and goods to market. Before the 1970s, many of the bridges built in these areas were made mostly from local timber, which was cheap and readily available at the time.
NEW Old Gloucester Road and Vasse Highway:
Northbound on Old Gloucester Road at Collins, passing under the timber bridge which carries Vasse Highway, May 2021.
Image © Paul Rands