Waterloo Bridge (Salford)
Takes New Bridge Street across the River Irwell a short distance north west of Manchester Victoria Station, between Salford and Strangeways.
The present plate girder bridge replaced the original cast iron arch bridge made by the Coalbrookdale Company in 1817 (see below).
1817: 'Cast Iron Bridge, Strangeways. — This bridge, an elegantly-neat structure of one arch of 122 feet span, opening a desirable communication between Salford and Strangeways, over the river Irwell, is now completed, and may deservedly be considered as proof of the decided superiority of cast-iron bridges, in the essential points of economy and facility of execution, the abutments and bridge having been completed in the short period of eight months; and with a slightness of scaffolding, and limited number of workmen, truly astonishing ; as we understand that, after the completion of the abutments, not more than from six to ten workmen were employed, to fix the scaffolding and complete the iron-work. — The erection of this bridge was contracted for by the Coalbrookdale Company.'[1]. Illustration here.
'As a result of flooding in November 1866, when it was found that the level of Salford Bridge was too low, the level of the new Waterloo Bridge was to be raised 4 feet 6 inches.' James Gascoigne Lynde was the City Surveyor responsible for the bridge replacement work.[2]
1866 Invitation to tender for the wrought and cast iron and other metal work, and for the masonry and construction work, for the reconstruction of Waterloo bridge. Advert placed by Joseph Heron, Manchester Town Clerk[3]
1866 'A New Bridge over the River Irwell. —The Corporations of Manchester and Salford are building an iron bridge to replace the structure known as the New Bridge, at the bottom of New Bridge-street, and which was originally built for the exclusive convenience of the tenants of the Ducie property. The existing bridge has been found too weak for the increased traffic.'[4]