Ellerslie Bridge

The old Ellerslie Bridge, over the Hopkins River, on the Hopkins Highway, just southwest of Mortlake. The bridge was built in 1867, replacing the Letts Ford, and lasted until 1968, when it was decommissioned at the age of 101 years! The bridge crosses the Hopkins River. There is a pleasant rest stop here, complete with a barbecue area and toilets, and probably enough space for a caravan or two for an overnight stop.

All pics on this page Copyright © Willem Schultink

The old Ellerslie Bridge, looking north east
The old Ellerslie Bridge, looking north east. Note the two restored spans at the Mortlake end of the bridge. they were restored by VicRoads in 2009 to give the public a viewing platform, and to enable them to see the construction methods used. Note also the bluestone abutments and decorative panel at the end of the bridge.
Copyright © Willem Schultink
The old Ellerslie Bridge, on the Hopkins Highway, southwest of Mortlake, Victoria, Australia.
The remains of the Letts Ford can be seen in the middle foreground, just downstream of the pylon.

The new concrete bridge, which now carries the Hopkins Highway, can be seen in the background.
Copyright © Willem Schultink
Old Ellerslie Bridge bluestone abutments
Old Ellerslie Bridge bluestone abutments and decorative panel. When it was built in 1867 the Ellerslie Bridge was described as ‘The most handsome bridge in western Victoria’.
Copyright © Willem Schultink
The remains of the decking on old Ellerslie Bridge.
The remains of the decking on the old Ellerslie Bridge. You can see how much the old bridge has deteriorated since 1968, when the bridge was still in use.
Copyright © Willem Schultink

Aussie Stories - telling about Australia in words and pictures

Aussie Stories - telling about Australia in words and pictures

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