214 



XV. 



On the Construction of the Bridge and Causeway across 

 the River Derwent at Bridgewater, in Tasmania. By 

 Wm. Porden Kay, Esq., Director of Public Works, dc. 

 [Read \Uh November, 1849.] 



The bridge lately constructed for the purj^ose of connecting 

 the end of the Bridgewater Causeway with the opposite or 

 northern bank of the Kiver Derwent forms part of the main 

 line of road of communication between Hobart Town and 

 Lauueeston. For several years the project of carrying a 

 causeway and bridge across the river at this place had been 

 a favourite one with the public ; and in pursuance of that 

 object the former work was commenced — and, indeed, nearly 

 completed — by Colonel Arthur, when Ijieutenant-Governor of 

 this Colony. 



With respect to the bridge itself, various plans had from 

 time to time been proposed as being desirable to carry out ; 

 but much hesitation was shown to commence a work which, 

 from the nature of the bed of the river, was, in the opinion 

 of many, deemed to be one of much difficulty in execution, 

 and some uncertainty in its accomplishment. The impe- 

 diment also which, it was stated, would be caused to the 

 navigation of the river by the erection of a bridge was 

 another poijit of much importance, requiring consideration 

 to be dealt with successfully. 



These difficulties, however, have, I believe, been all satis- 

 factorily met in the present work, which, although not laying 

 claim to any architectural beauty of design, may be deemed 



