title: Morell Bridge
text: # Morell Bridge
  
  The Morell Bridge is an arch bridge over the Yarra River in South Yarra, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia. Completed in 1899 by John Monash and J. T. N. Anderson, it is notable as the first bridge in Victoria that was built using reinforced concrete.
  
  It features decorations on the three arch spans, including large dragon motifs and ornamental Victorian lights. The gutters on the bridge are cobbled bluestone, with a single lane bitumen strip running down the middle. The bridge is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
  
  Originally known as the Anderson Street bridge, it was named the Morell Bridge in 1936 after Sir Stephen Morell, who was a prominent Victorian businessman and Lord Mayor of Melbourne between 1926 and 1928.
  
  On 7 June 1998 the bridge was closed to motor vehicles as part of the CityLink project. It is currently used by cyclist and pedestrian traffic, connecting the Royal Botanic Gardens to the Olympic Park precinct.
  
  ## Engineering heritage award
  
  The bridge received an Engineering Heritage Marker from Engineers Australia as part of its Engineering Heritage Recognition Program.
  
  