Dingle Footbridge, Chester
1849 'THE NOVEL SUSPENSION BRIDGE AT CHESTER. A week or two ago we noticed this interesting structure. We now proceed to examine into the details of its construction, and lay before our readers a sketch of this novel undertaking. In doing so we have to acknowledge our obligation to Messrs. M'Kean, Perkes, and Co., of this town, by whom it has been designed and executed, for an explanation of its construction, as the means by which it is suspended are so completely hid from the public view, that the casual observer would be at a loss to know how it really was supported. It is one hundred and fifty feet between the bearings or points of suspension. The platform, which is seven feet wide, is supported on twelve round iron chain rods, in links of fifteen feet each with very secure joints placed alternately, and running the whole length of the same. It is secured together by means ot transversed flat bars placed at intervals of about six feet apart, upon which the timber platform rests, and is secured to the same by means of T headed bolts and nuts running through the whole and screwed firmly together underneath. The chains are made peafectly fast at one end to a huge stone pier, built in the embankment. The centre of the pier at the other end of the bridge is formed into a large pit, upon the top of which is secured a very strong turn barrel, around which the whole of the chains take one wind and descend into the pit, and are secured to a strong cast-iron plate suspended near the bottom, at a depth of thirty feet, upon which is built a heavy mass of masonry, forming a weight which completely counterbalances the whole, thereby providing for everv degree of deflection, contraction, and expansion. It is also further secured by very strong back stays at each end of the bridge, running a considerable distance inland at a great depth under ground, and firmly bolted to heavy blocks of hard oak, thereby having a resisting pressure of many hundred tons of earth work, independent of the massive stone piers upon which it rests. It is erected on the estate of Earl Howe, close to the magnificent Grosvenor Bridge, over the River Dee. The design and construction have been left solely to Messrs. M'Kean, Perkes, and Co., and they reflect great credit upon them in every respect, as it is a most unique design, and the first that has ever been constructed upon this principle. Judging from the low price at which it has been erected, we presume it will not be the last, and we congratulate our friends upon this fresh addition to their well-earned merits, which cannot fail to produce its due reward.'[1].
The above description, and a drawing accompanying the article, suggest that it was a catenary bridge.
A photograph here shows that at some point in time the deck had been given intermediate supports.
1891 'The old footbridge, which used to afford a near cut for the Curzon Park residents going to and from the city, has been closed by order of the Corporation, in consequence of its dangerous state.' [2]
1938 Advert: 'DINGLE FOOTBRIDGE RECONSTRUCTION. TO STEELWORK FABRICATORS. TENDERS are Invited for the Supply, Fabrication, and Erection of approximately 12 tons of steelwork required in 8 new lattice girders, one new trestle pier and the heightening and strengthening of two existing trestle piers, together with the demolition of the steelwork and decking of the existing bridge, and the supplying and fixing of approximately 230 Cu. ft. of timber decking, bearers and kerbs. Specification, Bill of Quantities, and Form of Tender may be obtained, and Plans and General Conditions of Contract inspected on application to Mr. Charles Greenwood, M Inst. C.E., City Engineer and Surveyor ....'[3]
1938 'Chester Corporation invite tenders from steel work fabricators for the re construction of the Dingle footbridge. We learn on enquiry at the office of the City Engineer that the work is not likely to be started before November, and that the re construction will take about a month. During that time the bridge will be closed and pedestrians will have to walk round. This step Is taken because the cost of erecting a temporary bridge would be almost as much as reconstructing the old bridge. Many parts of the existing bridge columns will be utilised In the reconstruction.'[4]. Note: There is nothing in the appearance of the structure to suggest that any of the original parts were reused.
Geograph entry showing the present bridge and its location here.
Information about The Dingle here.