Canning Bridge & Reserve

On 20th September 1950 tenders were called for the construction of a new bridge to replace the 1902 structure. An artist’s impression of the proposed bridge showed the structure as being identical to what would later be built, complete with landscaping and an outbound “FM” series tram. Titled “Norman Creek Bridge – 1951” it was signed by R.J. Drysdale. By 1954 the downstream section of the bridge was ready for traffic. During this time the transfer of tram tracks from the old bridge to the half-width of the new bridge was completed, with one track laid permanently in the roadway and one in a temporary position pending the construction of the second half of the bridge.

At the time of opening the deck carried central tram tracks with a vehicle lane and pedestrian path on each side. After the decommissioning of the tramway system in 1969 the bridge carried two vehicle lanes in each direction. This configuration remains along with the pedestrian path on each side. 

In late 1956 a proposal was made to rename the Norman Creek Bridge. It was suggested that the bridge carry the name of Francis Joseph Canning, who for a period of twenty years occupied the office of President of the Council of Progress Associations in Brisbane. The proposal was accepted, and a plaque was prepared and placed on the bridge abutments.

The deck is supported on arched concrete ribs running parallel with the roadway. The arches spring from concrete abutments, which in turn, are each supported on a row of rectangular piers. These lines of support run, not perpendicular to the road, but are instead angled across the ribs to reflect the angle at which Norman Creek enters Brisbane River. The two centre abutments extend beyond the outermost arches, tapering and stepping outwards to form bracket-like supports to the edge of the road deck.

The edge of the deck forms a ledge and supports panels of painted concrete balustrade on each side of the bridge. The bridge is book-ended by rendered concrete abutments on each side of the creek. These project above the deck, forming a solid end panel to the balustrading and supporting a street light at each corner of the bridge. The panel on the southeast corner bears a bronze plaque and the inscription “Canning Bridge 1956”. Below the deck the render is jointed to resemble coursed masonry. This decorative effect is carried across the abutments, below the bridge. On the eastern bank of the Creek a concrete path allows pedestrian movement from one side of Lytton Road to the other.

The bridge appears to be in good condition and to have undergone few modifications since its construction.

The Reserve 

The reserves consist of grassed and vegetated areas adjoining the creeks and river banks. These areas appear to be rarely accessed by the public. The largest of these areas is on west side of the Creek, facing the River. This area contains a small red brick sewerage pumping station that services a cross-river sewer. This hipped roofed hut accommodates a switchboard and toilet and sits over the pumping station’s wet well. Nearby is a hatch leading to the dry well.

1. Brisbane City Council - City Assets Branch Conservation Management Study Stage 1 Report. November 2002