Lansdowne’s colonial ‘engineering marvel’ gets multimillion-dollar restoration

Millions of dollars will be spent lovingly restoring a heritage-listed colonial-era bridge - the second oldest in NSW - over the course of the year.

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Lansdowne Bridge, a 184-year-old sandstone marvel connecting Canley Vale to Carramar, will be restored as part of a multi-million dollar project intended to ensure its preservation for the next 50 years.

The restoration is the bridge’s first in more than half-a-century and its comprehensive scope will see works carried out until late 2020.

“The size, appearance and durability of the bridge … make it an outstanding example of colonial engineering,” David Fishburn said, Sydney maintenance director at Transport for NSW.

“Work includes replacing (15) sandstone blocks, cleaning the stone and repairing the drainage system to help reduce the pace of corrosion.”

A painting of historic Landsdowne Bridge in 1836 by Conrad Martens. Picture: Transport for NSW

The colonial bridge — the second oldest in NSW, after the Blue Mountains’ Lennox Bridge — carries eastbound traffic from the Hume Highway across Prospect Creek.

Transport for NSW has budgeted “several million” on the restoration work, a spokesman confirmed.

“We don’t have a specific funding amount, but the work is being delivered as part of the NSW Government’s $1.5 billion maintenance program,” the spokesman said.

He declined to provide a dollar amount citing the one-of-a-kind nature of the project.

Designed by David Lennox, it opened in 1836 after being built by convicts on a budget of 1083 pounds. Workers received a bonus allowance of wheaten flour if they pulled a night shift.

Governor Sir Richard Bourke laid the foundation stone and named the bridge after the third Marquess of Lansdowne. Picture: Transport for NSW

Lansdowne Bridge was listed on the State Heritage register in 2000. Picture: Transport for NSW

The sandstone bricks used in the bridge are locally sourced — downstream from the Georges River.

It spans 65 metres across Prospect Creek, is 10 metres wide and has a 33-metre arch.

The restoration works will start this week and should have a “minimal impact” on road users and pedestrians, Transport for NSW said.

They will take place from 7am to 6pm Monday to Fridays, and from 8am to 1pm on Saturdays, weather permitting and excluding public holidays.