Published Resources Details
Journal Article
- Title
- The Construction of the Great North Road, New South Wales, 1826-1836
- In
- Transactions of The Institution of Engineers, Australia: Multi-Disciplinary Engineering
- Imprint
- vol. GE9, no. 2, 1985, pp. 102-110
- ISBN/ISSN
- 0724-0444
- Subject
- Chronological Classification 1788-1900 Applied Sciences Engineering
- Description
Paper: G1174
- Abstract
The Great North Road, New South Wales, was the first official line of road intended to link Sydney with the booming settlements of the Hunter Valley. It underwent a ten year survey and construction period, beginning in 1825 with Assistant Surveyor Heneage Finch's hastily selected winding line, and ending in 1836 with two small road gangs caught in a continuous cycle of construction and decay. In the interim, however, the road had aroused the enthusiasm of the best surveyors and engineers available in the colony. These men envisioned a fine, all-encompassing permanent thoroughfare - a most appropriate goal in view of the contemporary optimism with regard to the colony's future. Many structures and formations were impressive and extensive, and built as far as possible, according to the latest principles emerging from the road building revolution in Britain. These methods were, of necessity, simplified in response to the colonial conditions of rugged terrain, vast distances, and the large but unskilled and unwilling labour force. The results were, however highly successful, and the remains constitute one of Australia's best museums of colonial engineering testifying to the skills, ingenuity and determination of our early engineers.
- Source
- Carlson 1985