Victoria Bridge

Built in 1889, the Victoria Bridge was one of two metal girder swing bridges constructed in Australia. This bridge is now rare, as the other bridge built in 1899 at Leith in northern Tasmania, was demolished in 2014. The Victoria Bridge’s swing design allowed vessels to use shallow Ross Creek, with minimal disruption to road traffic. The bridge connected the rapidly developing residential area of Ross Island, to the town markets and to the railway station built on the corner of Jones Street. This station was built in 1880 as the terminus of the Great Northern Railway. The port facilities at South Townsville were nearby. The bridge was constructed by G H Royce and Co of Sydney. The gas engines to drive the swing mechanism were produced by Crossley Bros of Manchester, England. As designed by Engineer JH Daniells, the bridge opened two clear spans, measuring 18m each, for the passage of vessels. The swing function of the bridge ceased operation in 1924, but the bridge continued to be used for traffic until 1975. A 1980s redevelopment saw the construction of retail stores on the bridge, which were removed in 2001 when the Townsville City Council undertook a major restoration.