Abstract: The main railway line to Bendigo, [part of the Melbourne, Mount Alexander, and Murray River Railway] built by the Victorian Government between 1856 and 1862, stands out from other sections of Victorian rail lines due to its high standards and the major structures, tunnels, and earthworks involved in its construction. The large viaducts at Malmsbury and Taradale and the lesser structures along the line, together with the two major tunnels at Elphinstone and Big Hill, are fine examples of the best engineering of the period This has led many to the view that its conception and execution could not have been from within the Colony at such an early stage in its development. As I. K. Brunel for a time held the appointment as Inspecting Officer in England, a view has become common that he was responsible for the railway's design. An examination of reports published by the Victorian Parliament at the time, however, shows this not to be the case. The route and structures were the work of engineers then in Victoria. These engineers proved to be men, experienced in railway works in Britain who, following the collapse of the "railway mania' that gripped Britain in the period from 1844 to 1850, sought new opportunities in Victoria.
To cite this article: The True History of the Design of the Melbourne, Mount Alexander and Murray River Railway [online]. Australian Journal of Multi-disciplinary Engineering, Vol. 3, No. 1, 2004: 83-90.
[cited 07 Oct 15].