Kane's Bridge, also written as Kanes Bridge and previously known as Kane's Suspension Bridge, is a wooden suspension bridge located in Yarra Bend Park, Melbourne, Australia over the Yarra River, linking the inner-city suburbs of Fairfield and Kew.[1][2] The bridge is for use exclusively by pedestrians, with cyclists required to dismount before entering the bridge.

Kane's Bridge
Coordinates37°48′00″S 145°00′35″E / 37.80001°S 145.00964°E / -37.80001; 145.00964
CrossedYarra River
LocaleMelbourne, Australia
BeganFairfield
EndedKew
Named forT J Kane
Heritage statusVictorian Heritage Register
History
Construction end1928 (original bridge)
Rebuilt1935
Collapsed1 December 1934
Location
Map
References
[1] [2] [3]

The bridge was originally built in 1928 with the intention of connecting Kew with the public golf course located on the opposite side of the Yarra River, in Fairfield, replacing a ferry service.[1] It was named after T J Kane, a councillor at the City of Collingwood.[1] In the early hours of Saturday 1 December 1934,[3] as a result of the 1934 Victorian floods, the original bridge was washed downstream and damaged beyond repair. A ferry service replaced the bridge beginning in the days following the collapse.[4][5] A replacement bridge was constructed in 1935,[6] resembling the design of another bridge further upstream linking Kew to the Yarra Bend Asylum.[2][1]

The suspension of the bridge is made of undressed timber posts, and the deck of the bridge is also wooden. The suspension is made up of steel cables.[2]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b c d e "Kane's Bridge". Darebin Libraries. Darebin City Council. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  2. ^ a b c d "Victorian Heritage Database Report: Kane's Bridge, Yarra River". Victorian Heritage Database. 1 January 2008. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  3. ^ a b "ABBOTSFORD DISTRICT. BRIDGES SWEPT AWAY. Municipal Quarries Flooded." Age. Melbourne. 3 December 1934. p. 13. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  4. ^ "BRIDGES CLOSED". Sun News-Pictorial. Melbourne. 5 December 1934. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  5. ^ "Suspension Bridge To Be Re-erected". Herald. Melbourne. 5 December 1934. Retrieved 30 June 2024.
  6. ^ "KANE'S BRIDGE AT STUDLEY PARK". Melbourne Australia Photos. 29 December 2013. Retrieved 30 June 2024.