Councillor Richard Goss raised the date at a June workshop as “a milestone worth celebrating”. 

The iron bridge, fabricated in England and shipped to Australia, was opened in 1871.

The council’s general manager Des Jennings said the two-span bridge was more than 60 metres long. 

“These were the longest spans in an Australian bridge until 1880, when it was surpassed by the Fitzroy suspension bridge at Rockhampton,” he said. 

“The Longford Railway Bridge is an iconic structure, spanning the South Esk River.”

The western railway line uses the bridge, allowing freight movement to and from major container ports in Burnie, Devonport and the rest of the state.

The bridge has been listed on the Australian Heritage database since March 21, 1978. 

The council made contact with TasRail and said they were willing to discuss the proposal. 

Cr Goss suggested effective lighting on the bridge to celebrate the occasion. 

Mr Jennings said lighting the bridge could welcome visitors into the town. 

“Effect lighting to the Longford Railway Bridge would light up a significant structure and become an attraction at the entry to Longford,” he said. 

The council acknowledged the celebrations were “some time away”.  Councillor Mary Knowles suggested putting a flyer in the visitor centre to inform residents of the upcoming celebrations and locals of the attraction. 

Councillor Janet Lambert said residents would want to the develop the project, but at a later time. 

The council voted to write to the Infrastructure Minister Rene Hidding to advise of the anniversary and enquire whether they had plans to celebrate the milestone. The council also voted to contact light rail at Evandale and Launceston to see if they were interested in being involved with the 150^th  celebrations.

Both motions passed unanimously.