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Queensland’s Dickabram Bridge set to turn 140, as more closures loom

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A wry observation among Mary Valley locals is the Dickabram Bridge took less than two years to build in the 1880s but may require close to a decade for maintenance in the 2020s. 

Queensland's oldest road-and-rail bridge, found north-west of Gympie at Miva, pre-dates Brisbane's famed Story Bridge and Walter Taylor Bridge by half a century.

However, the imposing 207-metre-long structure, started in 1885 and opened in 1886, needs ongoing love and care before its 140th birthday.

An abundance of wildlife is found near the bridge. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Robert Burgin)

From a five-day closure in 2015 for safety testing, the bridge is now closed most of the year for restoration, reopening briefly in the summer months. 

"The beautiful heritage-listed Dickabram Bridge is an icon and treasured remnant of a bygone era," a Department of Transport and Main Roads spokesperson said.

"The task of preserving this special piece of Queensland history is certainly not an easy one."

And while the overwhelming sentiment from residents and visitors appears to be gratitude for state government investment in the bridge, timelines for its repair are a concern.

Queensland's Dickabram Bridge set to turn 140, as more closures loom

Rail sleepers on bridge have been broken by trucks driving over them. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Robert Burgin)

A life-long companion

Dialysis-dependent William Nahrung, 87, has lived the vast majority of his life a few hundred metres from the Dickabram Bridge.

He is hopeful — for a number of reasons — that he lives to see restoration works completed.

"I've probably crossed that bridge more than any other person alive," Mr Nahrung said.

Queensland's Dickabram Bridge set to turn 140, as more closures loom

Long-time neighbours to the Dickabram Bridge, June and William Nahrung. (Supplied: June Nahrung)

"I've climbed over it, swam under it, fished off it, and shot mullet off it … which of course you can't do these days.

"It's been a major part of my life in many ways."

As Mr Nahrung approaches his latter years though, he is aware that without repairs, the bridge could turn from friend to foe.

"I have to drive to Gympie three days a week for dialysis and when the bridge closes, it's an extra 15 kilometres on the journey," Mr Nahrung said.

"It is a bit of a pain that it's taking such a long time.

"I would say workplace health and safety, and probably modern work ethic, are very different to when the bridge was originally built.

"But as frustrating as it is, I'd hate to see the bridge go … I really would … so I'm pleased the work is being done." 

Queensland's Dickabram Bridge set to turn 140, as more closures loom

The Dickabram Bridge viewed from the eastern bank of the Mary River. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Robert Burgin)

One explanation for delays

Steve Burgess is a hydrologist and representative of the Mary River Catchment Coordinating Committee, who has performed environmental consultation on the bridge restoration.

He has been tasked with helping ensure lead paint, which covers the bridge, doesn't endanger the ecosystem.

Queensland's Dickabram Bridge set to turn 140, as more closures loom

A steel girder shows rust on the Dickabram Bridge. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Robert Burgin)

"They've been very careful about anything hitting the river — and also the exposure risk to workers from flaking paint needs to be considered," Mr Burgess said.

"To me, it's a good thing they're being cautious.

"The Mary River is a pretty significant place because of all the critters that exist there that don't live anywhere else on planet Earth.

"I see the Dickabram Bridge as adding to the uniqueness, history, and value of the region."

He said that, so far, testing of the river showed no concerns caused by lead paint since restoration works began.

The stuff of legend

Mr Burgess marvels at how the bridge has stood the test of time, particularly the floods of 2022, which caused havoc across the Mary Valley.

Queensland's Dickabram Bridge set to turn 140, as more closures loom

Flood waters in 2022 saw the Dickabram Bridge record a new record high for the Mary River. (Supplied: Mark Chapman)

"It's an amazing bit of construction, particularly for its day," he said.

"The 2022 floods were a record high … an extraordinary amount of water came down the river.

"Many, many bridges have been washed away since the Dickabram Bridge was built, but it's stood in place, so they obviously built it well."

Mr Nahrung said it boggled his mind to think the bridge was created "using cross-cut saws, wedges, and wheelbarrows".

Queensland's Dickabram Bridge set to turn 140, as more closures loom

Looking north from the Dickabram Bridge towards Munna. (ABC Sunshine Coast: Robert Burgin)

Just as enduring, however, are tales of three workers who lost their lives during the bridge build — particularly one who, local legend has it, remains part of the construction.

"It's said when they wheeled out the concrete to fill the big steel cylinders and form the pylons, one man and his wheelbarrow disappeared," Mr Nahrung said.

"Folklore has it that the other workers didn't realise and kept pouring.

"So there is a man buried right there in the pylon."

Mr Nahrung said people had heard strange noises while fishing nearby at night.

What's in a name?

Although Dickabram is what Mr Nahrung still calls the elbow of land jutting out to the eastern part of the bridge, you'll find no such name on Google Maps.

More commonly, the end of the bridge closest to Gunalda and the Bruce Highway is counted as part of Miva or Theebine on contemporary maps.

Queensland's Dickabram Bridge set to turn 140, as more closures loom

The Dickabram Bridge, photographed in 1890, four years after it opened. (Supplied: State Library of Queensland)

Debate continues over whether Dickabram is an Indigenous name for sweet potato, or a conjugation of Dick and Abram, two early settlers in the region.

Get out and see it now

Since mid-December 2024, the bridge has been open, but the Department of Transport and Main Roads advises restoration will recommence in "early 2025".

Queensland's Dickabram Bridge set to turn 140, as more closures loom

The Dickabram Bridge is about 40km north-west of Gympie. (Supplied: Peta Hempsall)

"Works will continue until late in the year," a department spokesperson said.

"Travellers and engineering enthusiasts are encouraged to take a country road detour this holiday season to travel the unique bridge before rehabilitation works restart."

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