11 May 2016

Historic bridges widened to add footways or cycleways

One of my readers has written to ask whether I know of any examples of UK historic bridges (ideally Listed ones) which have been widened in modern times to increase capacity for pedestrians and cyclists.

From my previous posts, my personal favourite is Roxburgh Viaduct, with a footbridge added at a low level (although this is, of course, not a modern addition). A poor example is Byker Bridge, while I've covered Hungerford Bridge / Golden Jubilee Bridge on two occasions.

I can think of a few more, but I'd be interested to see what examples any other readers can suggest, both good or bad. Please post in the comments!

3 comments:

E Wein said...

The very non-descript Perth Railway Bridge was built in 1849 and has the most rickety steel footbridge in the world stuck on one side, allowing pedestrian access to Moncrieffe Island as well as across the Tay. I *think* the footbridge is an addition, or at least a replacement for an earlier footbridge. It's unlovely in every aspect and looks very 20th-century-utilitarian to my untrained eye. Though to be fair, it's wonderful to have a footbridge attached to this bridge (you're very up-close-and-personal to passing trains!) and access to the small island with its golf course, allotments and woodland.

http://www.alamy.com/stock-photo-train-crossing-the-railway-bridge-over-the-river-tay-in-perth-scotland-60845982.html

http://www.geograph.org.uk/photo/728133

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-CeMD-Gjq_pU/U2-j3za8DAI/AAAAAAAAHbs/iKrb8ctznB8/s1600/P1040794.JPG

(that picture is from this blog:)

http://walkingandcrawling.blogspot.co.uk/2014/05/inching-towards-perth-10th-may-2014.html

KantarAtlas said...

Even though not in UK, want to mention a good example :
Pont dlena at Paris ( 48.859799, 2.292081 ) bridge over Seine.

New bridge built next to existing with new piers and superstructures connected with steel girders. Movement(or moved) joints can be easily seen along the bridge.

http://structurae.net/structures/iena-bridge

John Collins said...

Countess Weir bridge (Grade II listed, masonry arch) over the Exe is currently being modified, including a new cycleway cantilevering from spandrel walls:

https://new.devon.gov.uk/bridgeroad/