Campbell Town

Red Bridge - Campbell Town, Tasmania, Constructed 1836 - 1838

The Red Bridge in Tasmania crosses the Elizabeth River at Campbell Town. Built using penal labour, it is the oldest surviving brick arch bridge in Australia. The bridge contains three arch spans of 7.6 m (25 ft) each and holds two lanes of traffic as well as pedestrian walkways. It lies on the Midland Highway, roughly halfway between Hobart and Launceston, carrying over two million vehicles per year. It was constructed of 1,250,000 handmade bricks on dry land, and after its completion the river was diverted to flow under the bridge. This bridge has never undergone repair work!