Meuse Suspension Bridge, Seraing
The first suspension bridge here was constructed in 1842-3. There had been no bridge across the Meuse here since the previous one was swept away in 1407! A replacement was much needed, not least by the workers at the Seraing factory of John Cockerill and Co.
The suspension bridge became too restrictive for traffic, and was replaced by a cantilever bridge in 1905. This was also constructed by Cockerill. The foundation contractor was Joseph Cousin.
The replacement bridge was destroyed by the Belgian Army in 1940.
The toll concession for the first bridge had been granted in 1841 to three people, including Hubert Brialmont (1807-1885), an engineer with John Cockerill and Co (their chief engineer from 1842 to 1872). The span between pylons was 104 metres. [1]
The catenary chains comprised links formed from rectangular wrought iron bar. The links can be envisaged as iron rings squeezed nearly flat, leaving a gap corresponding to the diameter of the bolts connecting the links. The bar section was 25mm by 50mm (1" by 2"). The pylons, about 8m high, were made of cast iron. The chains were connected to hinged arms at the top of the pylons. The hangers were approx 3cm in diameter.
See here[2], and here[3] for detailed descriptions of the first and second bridges (in French).