A seminar from the Melbourne Maritime Heritage Network

Bridges should be acknowledged as critical maritime infrastructure – enabling, connecting or in some cases thwarting!

Historically bridges have brought significant economic and social benefit to Melbourne – but not always!  For example, the poorly conceived yet dominant Bolte Bridge effectively curtailed Melbourne’s maritime engagement for the Antarctic ships. It also limited the access of tall ships to Victoria Harbour. Further, as port operations expand, the design inadequacies of the Bolte Bridge continue to challenge access to our waterways.

Melbourne has a plethora of bridges over the lower reaches of the Yarra. City of Melbourne local history librarian Fiona Campbell will present on one of the most neglected bridges – Spencer Street Bridge. It is a tale of a dependable 1930 structure with a backstory of political infighting, pioneering technology and the discovery of an obstacle which pre-dates the bridge by several millennia. Fiona Campbell will lead us through a visual journey through the design, construction and significance of this enduring bridge.

From this seminar, we can better reflect upon the ‘value’ of more recent bridges and contentious plans for others.
RSVP:        13 May 2022, Email  admin@mmhn.org.au