We take things like bridges for granted, especially in the regions, but I find them interesting, especially the old ones. I took a photo of this railway bridge in Rockhampton, a month or so ago. Until I saw this blog post from Queensland Museum I didn’t know its name, and I’d never though of the engineering and effort that went into building it strong enough to withstand those terrifying Fitzroy River floods.
By Phil Manning, Senior Curator, Cultures & Histories
Needed to cross the river. Designed to survive the river. Built using the river. The rail bridge over the Fitzroy River reveals how the forces of nature were used to overcome the challenges of the environment itself.
The Alexandra Bridge was part of the Rockhampton Junction Railway. George Willcocks was the contractor for its construction.
The Alexandra Bridge consists of five spans. Three 100 feet (30.5m) spans, one on the south bank and two on the north bank. And two central spans, each 250 feet (76m) long. At the time of its construction, the Fitzroy Bridge comprised the fourth longest span used for an Australian bridge. Photographer: Henry Goode. Queensland Museum Network Collection
Designed for floods
Since its official opening on 6 November 1899 the Alexandra Bridge has withstood the forces of seven major flood events. This is a tribute to the…
Queensland Stories 
That is fascinating reading. As I’ll be passing it in a couple of days I’ll certainly be craning my neck to check it out rather than admiring Rocky.
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I’ll look out for this bridge next time we’re in Rocky.
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