Whorlton Suspension Bridge , Whorlton, County Durham
N 54° 31.573 W 001° 50.211
30U E 575277 N 6042693
A old suspension bridge crossing the River Tees near Whorlton in County Durham.
Waymark Code: WM49PZ
Location: United Kingdom
Date Posted: 07/26/2008
Views: 22
The bridge was to have been an arched bridge when building commenced in 1829. On the 13th Oct of that year the River Tees flooded to levels higher than could be remembered. Sadly the foundations of the new bridge where washed away and the builder was ruined. It was back to the drawing board and a decision was made to build the bridge we see today
This is a very important early road suspension bridge by John Green of Newcastle upon Tyne. Its span is 173 feet , the road deck is about 30 feet above river water level. The bridge is still supported by original chains making it unique amongst early British suspension bridges. The chains are 4 inches thick, the links being similar to those which were used for on the Scotswood suspension bridge of the same period. The links are held together with large bolts and hexagon-head nuts. The abutments are stone, and the suspension towers are carried up from the river bed. A toll house survives at the north end. A very important industrial monument. Today the bridge has a weight limit and the road at each has been narrowed to stop heavy vehicles damaging the bridge.
Date Completed: 07/07/1831
Usage: Automobile
Length: 173ft
WWW: Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
Log your find with the picture of the bridge that you like. No gpsr required in the photo...different seasons and lighting for the pictures is what will be the goal.