A bridge has existed across Wyaldra Creek at Beryl since at least 1899 and likely much earlier as this was the main coach route from Guntawang to Cobbora.
In 1927, the current structure — 2 truss spans, 3 approach spans, total length approximately 70 m — was established. It is one of the last Allan Truss bridges built and unique for its cast-iron shoes at each end of the top chord, which feature additional holes not seen on any other bridge because the original design drawings did not detail them completely.
Source: Timber Truss Bridges
1916 - [UNSAFE]
1927 - NEW BRIDGE AT BERYL
Beryl Bridge, early 1930s
Source: Barbara Gurney
Helen Campbell, Clara Campbell and Linda Campbell on Beryl Bridge, early 1940s
Source: Barbara Gurney
NEWS ITEMS
1899 - A NEW RUSH, 5 Miles from Town. One Oz. per Dish.
Latest reports from the new rush at the Diamond Mines are most encouraging. The scene of the find is
5 miles from Gulgong, and a half mile on this side of Beryl bridge.
There are five claims on gold, and 50 men are sinking. Yesterday Mr. F. Hill washed prospects which yielded from 6 grains to 1oz. to the dish The sinking is 30ft, and the height of dirt varies from 9 inches to 3 feet.
There are plenty of men on the place at the present time to thoroughly prove it, and miners are cautioned against coming any distance.
1908 - [PAINTING]
Tenders have been invited for the painting of Guntawang Bridge over the Cudgegong, Beryl bridge over
Wyaldra Creek on the Cullenbone Cobbora road, Belinfante bridge over the Cudgegong, and Wilbetree bridge. Specifications may be seen at the Court-house, Mudgee.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 16 Jan 1908 Page 141909 - [DISTRICT WORKS]
Government Architect's Office, Bathurst, 5th July, 1909.
TENDERS addressed to the Clerk of Petty Sessions at Bathurst and endorsed "Tender for Purchase of
Old Material," will be received up to noon on MONDAY, the 19th June, 1909, for the purchase and removal of old decking recently taken off and stacked beside Beryl Bridge on road Cullenbone to Cobbora.
J. W. DOWELL, District Works Officer, Bathurst.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 8 Jul 1909 Page 141910 - [COUNCIL CORRESPONDENCE]
The following letters were read, and, on the motion of Cr. Bowman, seconded by Cr. Rouse, the same were received, and the following orders made thereon: —
From Mr. P. O'Connell, Tarawang, drawing attention to the condition of Beryl Bridge, which has some loose planks in it, causing the bridge to be in a dangerous state.
The matter was referred to the engineer, who stated that the bridge was a national work, and that he had already drawn the authorities' attention to its condition with a view of having the work made good.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 10 Mar 1910 Page 12
1912 - [INSPECTION]
A few days ago two engineers from the Public Works Department were around the Gulgong district, on a tour of inspection of bridges that are classed as national works.
They visited and inspected Wilbetree, Belinfante, Guntawang, and Beryl bridges. The timbers of the later two are showing signs of decay, and for some time have been a source of anxiety. Some important repairs are evidently contemplated, as it would be a waste of money putting in tenporary props.
The officers also inspected the new bridge erected at Yamble.
The Public Works Department has forwarded material for repairs to the Beryl Bridge, which badly needs to be put in order before the wheat carting starts. It is not now safe to take a heavy load across the bridge.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 19 Oct 1916 Page 10
1927 - [ENGINEER'S REPORT]
The old bridge at Beryl will shortly be dismantled and I would recommend that the Public Works Department be asked to let your Council have any sound timber which may be suitable at that ridge to take and rebuild Doran's Bridge. If your Council could get the timber from Beryl Bridge I believe very little new timber would be necessary except decking to rebuild Doran's Bridge.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 25 Aug 1927 Page 14
The new bridge at Beryl, which is a Government job, is practically completed. Attention is now being given to building the approaches.
Source: Mudgee Guardian and North-Western Representative (NSW : 1890 - 1954) Thu 25 Aug 1927 Page 101939 - [SIGNAGE]
On the erection of road direction signs, the acting shire clerk, Wyaldra Shire Council (Mr. A. A. Haworth), advised that the council had given consideration to the matter and had decided to erect a sign at Beryl bridge, as that was the only spot where an appropriate-sign did not exist.
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