vehicular

Vehicular ferry Brisbane, crossing the Brisbane River, ca. 1890s

from State Library of Queensland

• Vesna Verencevic said:

  River ferries have long been a feature of the daily life of Brisbane. Prior to the construction of the first bridge connecting North and South Brisbane in the 1860s they were essential for both personal and commercial use. Even after this they proved an economical alternative for government and local authorities looking to avoid significant capital investment, yet still make provision for cross river pedestrian, four legged and vehicular traffic. Small volume pedestrian traffic could be handled by conventional rowboat with the ferryman at the oars. A simple jetty with steps down to a landing was all that was required in terms of infrastructure. Ferries to carry vehicles, bulky goods and stock required a larger and a more stable craft, sturdy timber punts appear to have been the default. The combination of river current and larger displacement/more weight meant that the vehicular ferries needed to be cable stayed, and in addition, required greater expenditure on approach roads and durable trafficable ramps. Source: brisbanehistorywest.wordpress.com/2019/01/08/muscle-power...