“Time Capsule to mark Victoria’s 150th Anniversary.” It’s etched in bronze. We’re standing before the Victoria Street Bridge Time Capsule Plaque. This plaque commemorates Victoria’s sesquicentennial. The 150th anniversary was celebrated in 1984-85. The time capsule itself is scheduled to be opened in 2034-35.
But what is the Victoria Street Bridge? It is a Warren truss bridge. The bridge crosses the Yarra River. It links Richmond and Hawthorn.
The Victoria Street Bridge is made of riveted and welded steel. It opened on March 31, 1884. The bridge’s construction cost approximately £10,000. Some doubted its durability. Some people thought the Yarra’s first big flood might sweep it away.
The Victoria Street Bridge design followed a competition in 1880. Fraser & Chase designed it. The councils of Collingwood, Hawthorn, Kew and Richmond provided funds. Mr. P. Platt won the construction contract. Charles Rowand was appointed Supervising Engineer in 1883. William Charles Kernot’s theoretical work influenced the design. Kernot advocated for economy and science in public works.
The Victoria Street Bridge has seen changes over the years. It was widened in 1890. A third line of truss was added. This accommodated horse trams. New piers were added on the upstream side.
In 1915, more strengthening work occurred. This was to carry the weight of electric trams. Two cantilever footpaths were added.
Further widening happened in 1933. Four new welded trusses were included. Two were intermediate. Two were on the outside. New cantilevered truss cross beams supported the outer trusses.
The Prahran & Malvern Tramways Trust converted the horse tramway to electric. This was part of an extension into the eastern suburbs between 1913 and 1918. The Trust installed ornamental gantries for overhead wires.
The Victoria Street Bridge stands as a testament to Melbourne’s growth. It facilitated trade between industrial and eastern suburbs. The Ornamental Tramway Overhead Gantries from 1916 are rare. They showcase early 20th-century design. The bridge is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
Pause a moment and imagine Melbourne in 1884. Horse-drawn carriages crossed the new bridge. The Yarra flowed beneath. Now envision 1915. Electric trams hum across the strengthened structure. People stroll along the new footpaths. The Victoria Street Bridge continues to evolve. It adapts to the needs of a growing city.