BRIDGE IN SUSPENSE

This article discusses the problems recently faced by an early Scottish suspension bridge, a 90m span footbridge over the River Tweed between Melrose and Gattonside. It is the only surviving example of the first flat deck suspension bridge technology used in Europe, which was developed in Scotland in 1816-1820. Though Gattonside bridge was built in 1826 as an almost complete example of the technology, it is now perilously near destruction. Its original ironwork is almost intact and is worth preserving. However, Lothian Regional Council intends to 'refurbish' it in such a way that it will be destroyed as a historic structure, demolishing most of the existing intricate ironwork. Plans for conserving the bridge are also opposed by the Council's consultants Travers Morgan & Partners. This is despite the suitability of retaining footbridges as examples of historical construction, because their load requirements do not increase. The author comments that "an important historic structure poses questions to be answered, not by narrow engineering but by common knowledge and common sense." He argues that its refurbishment should be designed on that basis. (TRRL) (Author/TRRL)

• Availability:
  • Find a library where document is available. Order URL: http://worldcat.org/issn/03077683
• Corporate Authors:

  Thomas Telford Limited

  London,   United Kingdom 
• Authors:
  • Ruddock, T
• Publication Date: 1990-8-23

Language

• English

Media Info

• Pagination: p. 17
• Serial:
  • NEW CIVIL ENGINEER
  • Issue Number: 910
  • Publisher: EMAP CONSTRUCT LIMITED
  • ISSN: 0307-7683

Subject/Index Terms

• TRT Terms: Bridge foundations; Bridges; Failure; Footbridges; Iron; Maintenance; Repairing; Suspension bridges
• Uncontrolled Terms: Bridge maintenance; Repairs
• Geographic Terms: United Kingdom
• ITRD Terms: 3475: Footbridge; 7159: Iron; 3465: Metal bridge; 3635: Repair; 3476: Suspension bridge; 8119: United Kingdom
• Subject Areas: Bridges and other structures; Highways; Maintenance and Preservation;

Filing Info

• Accession Number: 00623800
• Record Type: Publication
• Source Agency: Transport and Road Research Laboratory (TRRL)
• Files: ITRD, TRIS
• Created Date: Jul 31 1992 12:00AM