Historic bridge gets its columns back

Longford’s iconic iron train bridge will have replicas of its long-lost cast iron pillars restored this weekend.

Having been first built in 1871, four pillars, two from either end, had to be removed in the 1960s to allow larger freight to be carried through the bridge and have been sadly missed by many locals.

Councillor Dick Adams OAM has been determined to see their return, and formed a committee, which met for the first time on February 13, 2019, and fundraising began shortly after.

Finally, this week the dream was realised with the arrival of the first two newly fabricated 6m-tall columns, each weighing approximately one tonne, which are now ready for erection.

“It has been a remarkably successful collaboration between the Northern Midlands Council, TasRail, Penguin Composites and the State Government in achieving the renewing of these iconic columns,” Councillor Adams said.

TasRail’s General Manager for Asset Management, Rhys Prestige, and Civil Assets representative Vernon Hawes updated the Longford Railway Bridge Committee at its last meeting, confirming their completion and delivery.

Penguin Composites will retain the custom molds, used to create the columns, ensuring future production remains possible should funding become available to reinstate the pillars at the opposite end of the bridge.

 TasRail were then involved by completing the redesigned internal steel frames, which have been inserted into the columns through precision-cut openings and secured on large steel plates.

The frames were needed to underpin the structural integrity of the heritage restoration with funding coming from the State Government, TasRail and the Northern Midlands Council.

In preparation for installation, TasRail confirmed that crane access will be required from the park side of the bridge.

The Committee Chair is liaising with Northern Midlands Council’s Works Manager to ensure appropriate access and safety while current works are underway.

An official opening event is expected later this month.