[Video] Oldest in-use Australian Bridge Reopens After Historic Restoration in Hawkesbury Region

Australia’s oldest in-use road bridge — the Thomas James Bridge, built in the 1830s using convict labour — has been fully restored, with a time-lapse video now showing the engineering effort that returned it to life. Located on Settlers Road at Lower Macdonald, the bridge is part of the World Heritage–listed Old Great North Road, […]

Nov 26, 2025 - 10:35

[Video] Oldest in-use Australian Bridge Reopens After Historic Restoration in Hawkesbury Region

Australia’s oldest in-use road bridge — the Thomas James Bridge, built in the 1830s using convict labour — has been fully restored, with a time-lapse video now showing the engineering effort that returned it to life.

Located on Settlers Road at Lower Macdonald, the bridge is part of the World Heritage–listed Old Great North Road, connecting Wisemans Ferry to the Macdonald Valley. Restoration work began after the 2022 floods caused near-total collapse of the eight-metre sandstone retaining walls that support the bridge’s abutments.

The $17.5 million project, jointly funded by the Australian and NSW Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements (DRFA), was delivered by Hawkesbury City Council, in partnership with Transport for NSW and the NSW Reconstruction Authority.

Rebuilding the Past with Today’s Engineering

The restoration required a tailor-made solution designed to meet both heritage conservation and disaster resilience requirements:

Engineers excavated to the bedrock to install new steel and concrete footings and flood-resilient drainage.
The hand-cut sandstone retaining walls were disassembled block by block. Each stone was numbered, documented, and reassembled in its exact historical position.
A new timber bridge deck was built to preserve the original appearance and functionality.
A 250-metre rock slip threatening Settlers Road was cleared and stabilised without disrupting access.

“Built to Last”: Three Levels of Government Behind the Project

“We are building back better and more resilient communities.”
— NSW Minister for Recovery Janelle Saffin

The bridge’s revival was made possible by unprecedented coordination between federal, state and local governments.

“The completion of restoration works on the historic Thomas James Bridge outlines the Federal Government’s commitment to keeping Australians safe and connected.”
— Federal Emergency Management Minister Kristy McBain

Heritage and Resilience, Side by Side

“This is the oldest in-use land bridge on the Australian mainland.”
— Hawkesbury City Mayor Les Sheather

Behind the carefully restored sandstone wall lies a modern foundation designed to prevent repeat flood damage. The project highlights the value of blending engineering with cultural heritage preservation.