VPRS 4675 Cost Book

The Central Roads Board, the first agency concerned with the establishment of main roads and bridges, was abolished on 1 January 1858 and succeeded by the Department of Roads and Bridges (VA 2964) which operated under the statutory control of the Board of Land and Works (VA 744).The records contained in this series provide a detailed summary of the expenditure of the Central Road Board for the whole period of its existence and of the sources of funds for that expenditure. It provides a summary of all of the roads and bridges constructed and maintained and a summary of income and expenditure for the years 1859 and 1860. Full details are given of the vouchers honoured for that expenditure and these may be seen in VPRS 961 Expenditure Vouchers. Full details are provided of collections, expenses incurred and expenditure from toll gates and toll collections.Each road and bridge constructed in the Colony of Victoria is listed alphabetically with the details of expenditure on that road as are the grants made to District Roads Boards for the construction and maintenance of roads. Clear delineation and details are given pertaining to the construction and the concomitant maintenance costs associated with roads and bridges. For 1859 and 1860 details are given of contracts and their associated expenditure.