Clapper Bridge
Landscape Architects: Architectural Projects Unit, Hobart City Council
Constructed by: Hobart City Council track crews
Project Management: Bushland and Reserves Unit, Hobart City Council
The clapper bridge is part of the North-South Track, which is a shared use track for mountain bikers and bushwalkers which specifically provides for mountain bike use. The clapper bridge was completed early in 2011. The bridge crosses the New Town Rivulet which flows down the northern slopes of Mt Wellington.
A clapper bridge is an ancient form of bridge found on the moors of Devon and in other upland areas of the United Kingdom. It is formed by large flat slabs stone supported on stone piers (across rivers), or resting on the banks of streams.
Through site investigations, historical research and consultations with experts in fields such as threatened species, natural and cultural heritage, fluvial geomorphology, engineering, recreation planning and track construction an elegant design solution was found that was affordable, sustainable and beautiful.
The cost of the clapper bridge was less than 10 percent of the cost of a suspension bridge or similar. On-going maintenance costs are also substantially lower.
With all of the materials sourced from the creek bed the clapper is ‘of the site’ not ‘on the site’. The construction of the clapper bridge caused minimal disturbance to the beautiful rainforest environment and visually it blends well with the setting.
A clapper bridge is an ancient form of bridge found on the moors of Devon and in other upland areas of the United Kingdom. It is formed by large flat slabs of granite or schist supported on stone piers (across rivers), or resting on the banks of streams.
Although often credited with prehistoric origin, most were erected in medieval times, and some in later centuries.
They are often situated close to a ford where carts could cross. According to the Dartmoor National Park, the word 'clapper' derives ultimately from an Anglo-Saxon word, cleaca, meaning 'bridging the stepping stones'
While the term "clapper bridge" is typically associated with the United Kingdom, other "clapper-style" bridges exist throughout the world.
One example is the Anping Bridge in China, which is over two kilometres long. Another example is the recently built clapper bridge in Wellington Park, Tasmania.
more on this project (PDF)
