Warrington Transporter Bridge
The Warrington Transporter Bridge (or Bank Quay Transporter Bridge) across the River Mersey is a steel transporter bridge.
The present bridge at this location was built in 1915, replacing an earlier one opened in 1908.
Thomas Piggott and Co won the intial design competition, and were awarded the construction contract. Valuable advice on structural design was provided by Professor Alexander, and also by Merriman and Jacoby. The requirement was to convey a load of 2.5 tons across the 250ft. span at 6 mph.[1]
The present bridge has a span of 200 feet. It is 30 feet wide, and is 76 feet above high water level, with an overall length of 339 feet. It was designed by William Henry Hunter, and built by William Arrol and Co. It is privately owned and was built to connect the two parts of the large chemical and soap works of Joseph Crosfield and Sons. It was originally used to carry rail vehicles up to 18 tons in weight, and converted for road vehicles in 1940. In 1953 it was modified to carry loads up to 30 tons.
Although it has been out of use since circa 1964, it is still extant. However, although it is a listed structure, it is at risk of 'demolition by neglect'. A group has been established in the hope of preserving the bridge, called 'Save Warrington Transporter Bridge'[2]
See Also
Sources of Information
- [3] Wikipedia