Hindmarsh River Railway Bridge: The South Australian Railway (SARCC) commissioned the bridge for a cost of 3560 pounds from the SA Concrete and Monier Pipe Company. While the bridge was completed in early October 1907, John Monash, the design engineer, would only allow light traffic over it until the concrete had sufficient time to cure. On the 28 November 1907, to prove the strength of the bridge, 2 steam locomotives were coupled together and driven over the bridge.
The photo of the testing of the Hindmarsh River Bridge on the 28 November 1907 was obtained from the University of Melbourne Archives. and is referenced as: Hindmarsh Railway Bridge, South Australia, 1907, Reinforced Concrete & Monier Pipe Construction Co. Ltd collection, University of Melbourne Archives, 1964.0012.00212
When war broke out in Europe, John Monash the engineer, went on to become General John Monash, acknowledged as one of WW1's outstanding commanders. He is widely regarded as the personification of Australian leadership in battle and dedicated public service in peace. The dictum he lived by "equip yourself for life, not for yourself alone but for the benefit of the community".
Sir John Monash's image appears on the $100.00 note.
Enhance your trails experience, for more information about South Australian trails including bike, walking, scuba and horse trails go the the SA Trails website: www.southaustraliantrails.com
