Bethanga Bridge

Bethanga Bridge is a dual heritage-listed road bridge that spans Lake Hume in Australia.

It is the only structure shared by both New South Wales and Victoria, connecting the towns of Bellbridge and Bethanga with the city of Albury. Built between 1927 and 1930, the bridge is a key element of the River Murray Waters Agreement, which regulates the flow of the Murray River and ensures water distribution among the states.

The bridge consists of nine spans, supported by reinforced concrete pylons and a steel truss structure. The overall span is 752 meters, with a 7.7-meter wide concrete waffle slab deck. Over the years, the deck and truss structure have undergone modifications and upgrades to accommodate the changing needs of the Hume Dam. In 2005, the decking was replaced, guard rails were installed, and the New South Wales approach to the bridge was widened for safety reasons.

Bethanga Bridge holds historical and technical significance. It reflects the joint efforts of the New South Wales Department of Public Works and the Victorian State Rivers and Water Supply Commission during the construction of the Hume Dam. The use of Pratt trusses, a predominantly New South Wales technology, is notable in Victoria. The bridge is also associated with the River Murray Commission and the River Murray Waters Agreement, which played a crucial role in regulating the Murray River's flow.

From an aesthetic standpoint, the bridge offers a dramatic rural setting, particularly when the lake levels are high. Its vast scale, length, and repetitive geometric motifs of the trusses contribute to its visual appeal. Locally, the bridge serves as an important tourism destination and a vital link between the Bethanga/Granya region and Albury-Wodonga.

Bethanga Bridge