Paringa Bridge

Paringa Bridge, located in Paringa, South Australia, is a revered heritage structure that carries the Sturt Highway across the iconic Murray River.

This bridge has been instrumental in connecting countless travelers and locals alike since its inception in 1927, with an interesting history to boot.

The bridge consists of a combination of four spans, including three Pratt truss spans of 112.5 feet (34.3 m) and a plate girder span at each end. What makes Paringa Bridge unique is the addition of a vertical-lift span measuring 78 feet (24 m) long. This vertical-lift span has a remarkable capacity to rise 30 feet (9.1 m) in just one and a half minutes, allowing river traffic to pass smoothly without hindering the movement of vehicles.

The South Australian Railways (SAR) designed and conceptualized this bridge, and Perry Engineering of Adelaide fabricated it. It was built as a road-rail bridge, with both the Sturt Highway and Barmera railway lines using the same reservation.

Initially built as a road-rail bridge, maintenance costs of Paringa Bridge were shared equally between the SAR and Highways department. On account of the overwhelming traffic, extra road lanes were added on either side of the railway line to segregate road and rail traffic. The centre reservation has since been transformed into a shared pedestrian and cycle path, making it a favorite spot for leisure activities.

On account of its importance as a heritage site, Paringa Bridge was listed as a State Heritage Place on the