The Army lends a hand to restore an old bridge.

This was the headline of “The Age” newspaper in an article written by Anne Latreille in 1979.

The 91 Forestry Squadron is an army reserve unit designed to mill timber for army use. It includes some Forests Commission staff, and a handful of men skilled in the use of the broad axe and adze.

Its members haven’t yet used these techniques in their present job, but they have needed all their sawmilling expertise. Camped at the old settlement of Happy Go Lucky, just out of Walhalla in Gippsland, they are felling mountain grey gum for the restoration of nearby Bruntons Bridge, across the Thomson River near Walhalla.

The iron-framed bridge about 60 metres long and 12 metres above the river bed – was built in 1887-8 by Mephan Ferguson, during last century’s mining boom. It was a throughway for coaches and bullock drays. It has been unused, though, for 40 years since its timber decking was destroyed by bushfires in 1939.

Restoration has been planned for the past 18 months, following the re-decking three years ago of Poverty Point Bridge up-stream. (This bridge is now part of the Alpine walking track). To date it has involved not only two units of the army reserve (formerly the CMF), but the Forests Commission, the Shire of Naracan, A.P.M. Forests Pty. Ltd., the National Trust, the Latrobe Valley Historical Society, and engineering students from the

Gippsland Institute of Advanced Education, who tested the bridge’s structure before work began.

The 91 Forestry Squadron prayed hard for good logging weather and, according to its leader, Major Oliver Raymond, they have just finished cutting the timber for the bridge deck. Construction work will be done by 39 Electrical and Mechanical Squadron.

Major Raymond says the job should be finished in about 10 days.

It will not be a full reconstruction of the original superstructure, but a sympathetic conversion to footbridge width, with safety rails and child buffers. This means the handsome and still sound bridge, while remaining closed to motor traffic, will provide a useful facility for tourists and campers.

In 1982 the bridge was listed in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR H1450)

Six columns support the steel substructure and lattice and other steel work decorates the bridge. The bridge is an interesting example of late nineteenth century bridge technology, adapted for use in difficult terrain. Although the timber portions of the bridge no longer remain, sufficient of the bridge remains for its original form to be seen. Bruntons Bridge forms part of the industrial relics contained in the important former mining town of Walhalla. The bridge is in a fair condition with respect to the iron structure.

The timber parts of the bridge, comprising beams, decking and handrails, were again destroyed by bushfires in 2006, these have since been replaced with steel decking and handrails. The area is now a popular camping spot.

RAEAV photo collection PV 1074

Sources;

Swan Street Sappers

Victorian Heritage Database Report

“The Age” newspaper

Photos donated by the “Woodies”

Mel Constable