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150th Anniversary of the Red BridgePrint Page 
The plaque commemorates the 150th anniversary of the opening of the Red Bridge in 1838.
The Red Bridge crosses the Elizabeth River and was built in 1838 using convict labour. It is the oldest surviving brick arch bridge in Australia, as well as the oldest bridge anywhere on the National Highway.
It is said to have been designed by James Blackburn, architect to Melbourne and a convict himself. It was constructed of 1,250,000 handmade bricks on dry land, and after its completion the river was diverted to flow under the bridge.
The Red Bridge is registered on the Register of the National Estate since 1978.
Location
| Address: | Midland Highway, Campbell Town, 7210 |
|---|---|
| State: | TAS |
| Area: | AUS |
| GPS Coordinates: | Lat: -41.932791 Long: 147.492676 Note: GPS Coordinates are approximate. |
Details
| Monument Type: | Plaque |
|---|---|
| Monument Theme: | Government |
| Sub-Theme: | Colonial |
| Approx. Event Start Date: | July-1838 |
| Approx. Event End Date: | July-1988 |
Dedication
| Approx. Monument Dedication Date: | 1988 |
|---|
The Red Bridge
Foundation stone laid by Lieut. Gov. Arthur, 21 Oct. 1836.
Constructed by vonvicts 1837 - 1838.
Supervised by Captain Frederick North.
Under the direction of the Director General of Public Works, Captain Alexander Cheyne.
Opened by Lieut. Gov. Sir John Franklin, July 1838
Specifications - length 38 yards
Width between parapets 28 feet.
This plaque commemorates the 150th anniversary of the opening of the bridge, unveiled Tasmania Day 1988.
Proclaimed as a place of State heritage significance in the Tasmanian Heritage Register 22 September 1999
