Kingsford Smith Drive roadworks uncover 1860s-era bridge

IN THE second such find in a week, an excavation crew has uncovered an archaeological wonder in inner Brisbane.

• When city was top of the tech world

WORKERS upgrading one of Brisbane’s busiest roads have uncovered a historical bridge dating back about 150 years.

The surprising find at Kingsford Smith Drive is sure to have local history enthusiasts buzzing, with the bridge believed to be one of the first to be built in Queensland.

Workers uncovered large stacked wooden beams beneath the surface of the road some weeks ago, on what was previously the southern traffic lanes between Nudgee Rd and Theodore St.

The stacked wooden beams unearthed by excavation. Picture: Brisbane City Council

An archaeological investigation has since determined the timber belonged to a bridge structure dating back to the 1860s.

Brisbane City Council infrastructure committee chairwoman Amanda Cooper said there was still much to be learned about the structure, with a management strategy to be determined with the State Government to preserve the bridge.

The stacked wooden beams unearthed by excavation. Picture: Brisbane City Council

“A small section of the structure will be required to be removed to allow for the upgrade project to continue, and it is council’s intention for the piece to be preserved, potentially along the new corridor, while ensuring the remainder of the structure be covered and preserved in its original place,” she said.

“The discovery provides a glimpse into the evolution of the road and its fascinating past, after the Eagle Farm settlement was established in 1829 and when Hamilton Rd — now known as Kingsford Smith Drive — was originally constructed between 1829 and 1830.”

Cr Cooper said the original road was built by convict women in the late 1820s.

The discovery of the bridge comes as the Kingsford Smith Dr upgrade reaches the halfway mark.

How the bridge appeared in the 1800s. Picture: Brisbane City Council