Notes:

• Varying histories of this catwalk-style bridge exist. Some claim it was built 1704, a cable snapped in 1802 killing three people, and it was then rebuilt in 1830 (the present bridge). Others attribute the bridge to 1741 and have the 1802 incident killing "one or two people".
• Replaced by 1830 Wynch (Winch) - Middleton-in-Teesdale, England, United Kingdom.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20008266

Notes:

• BSI: Originally erected in the form of a traditional suspension bridge, but soon reinforced with wire stays from much larger towers to reduce unwanted motion. Destroyed by flood, 1839.

Notes:

• May have been rebuilt around 1850. History of the bridge is unclear between the 1838 collapse and replacement in 1872.
• This 1818 bridge was a replacement for the 1817 Dryburgh Abbey suspension bridge which appears to have been primarily a cable-stayed structure and is not included in the inventory. The 1817 bridge failed due to wind in early 1818.
• Later at same location 1872 Dryburgh Abbey - Dryburgh and St. Boswells, Scotland, United Kingdom.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20008269

Notes:

• 2007, March: Closed after a hanger snapped in high winds. Repaired and reopened August, 2007.
• 2020, October: Closed for major renovation and conservation project.
• 2023, April: The bridge is reopened.
• Eclipsed by new longest suspension bridge 1826 Menai Strait - Menai Bridge and Bangor vicinity, Wales, United Kingdom.

External Links:

• Conservation - Union Chain Bridge - unionchainbridge.org. Site devoted to the 2020-2023 renovation project. This page lists the highlights of the project.
• Structurae - Structure ID 20000162

Notes:

• SBR: Chain pier extending into 700 feet into the Forth, with three main spans each of 209 feet. Wrecked by storm, 1898.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20008327

Notes:

• SBR: Severely damaged 1833, 1836. Destroyed by storm 1896.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20008326

Notes:

• Famously collapsed under weight of marching troops April 12, 1831. Was rebuilt and strengthened and eventually replaced in 1914.

Notes:

• 1904: Major reinforcement and strengthening project.
• 2008, February: Major refurbishment project completed.
• Next to 1904 (footbridge) - Conwy, Wales, United Kingdom.

Annotated Citations:

• "Conway Suspension Bridge." The Engineer, 20 May 1904.
  

  Details regarding the 1904 reinforcement project: "...It was therefore decided to renew all the suspension rods, and pins, and to fix steel cables above the suspension links, to supplement them so that the maximum stress in the links due to any possible travelling load should not exceed 5 tons per square inch. It was also decided to build a stiffening girder coupled to the suspension rod on each side of the bridge, and at the same time to widen the bridge by building a footway 6ft. wide outside the suspenders on the north side of the bridge."

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20000447

Notes:

• Steel cables added, 1992.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20010131

Notes:

• 1839 (or 1840): Restored. Deck strengthened.
• 1893: Original wood deck replaced with a steel deck.
• 1938-1940: Original wrought-iron chains replaced with steel eyebars, deck strengthened.
• 1999: Deck resurfaced and other improvements to strengthen bridge.
• 2020: Major maintenance project planned to start January, 2021.
• 2022, October: Closed due to serious structural concerns. Expected to reopen January 2023 with a weight restriction.
• Became longest suspension bridge by eclipsing 1820 Union - Horncliffe, Berwick-upon-Tweed vicinity, England and Fishwick, Scotland, United Kingdom.
• Eclipsed by new longest suspension bridge 1834 Zaehringen (Grand Pont Suspendu) - Fribourg, Switzerland.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20000091

Notes:

• SBR: Replaced, 1903.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20076932

Notes:

• Likely replaced 1926. SBR: Replaced "1926 or 1927". Design by Brown.

Notes:

• Replaced by 1887 Hammersmith - London, England, United Kingdom.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20008011

Notes:

• Provided access to the lighthouse at South Stack. Iron chain suspension system replaced in 1964, surviving until until 1983, but unclear if it was still functioning as a suspension bridge. Towers are now used as abutments for a pedestrian truss bridge.

Notes:

• 1906: Replaced by a non-suspension bridge still referred to as "Chainbridge".

Notes:

• 1830: Said to have collapsed under weight of cattle in 1830. At some point it was rebuilt as a non-suspension bridge with the original suspension bridge towers intact. The current (in the 2020s and for many years before) main span is steel plate girder.

Notes:

• SBR: March 19, 1830, with a "crowd of people, estimated at 700, ... watching a boat race," a chain broke "plunging most of the people into the river." Repaired.
• 1838: Wrecked by storm. Repaired.

Notes:

• Completed 1830 or 1832.

Notes:

• Suspension bridge abutments retained for 1929 non-suspension bridge replacement.

Notes:

• First railway suspension bridge.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20079195

Notes:

• Steel cables added, 2000.
• Replaced 1741 Winch (Wynch) - Middleton-in-Teesdale, England, United Kingdom.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20022362

Notes:

• Was still standing in 1938 when it was bypassed, but was likely demolished some time in 1938.

Notes:

• "Chine" is the spelling/pronounciation of "Chain" in Geordie a dialect spoken in Tyneside.
• Widened (19ft 6in roadway, two 6ft walkways), iron chains replaced with steel cables 1931. Bypassed, 1967. Since demolished.

External Links:

• Scotswood Suspension Bridge (1831 - 1967) | Co-Curate. Several images of the bridge.
• Structurae - Structure ID 20013208

Notes:

• Reconstructed, 1930. Closed to vehicular traffic, 1984. Closed to all traffic 2002. Underwent extensive refurbishment, 2008.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20021612

Notes:

• 2003-2004: Refurbished.
• 2019, July: Closed following failure of a deck suspender.
• 2020, September: Remained closed, indefinitely, with no firm plan for repairs.
• 2020, December: Fears escalate over catastrophic failure.
• 2022, February: Repairs delayed, not expected to be completed until May 2023.
• 2023, October: New plans announced. The bridge will be fully dismantled and restored.

Annotated Citations:

• "Plans to strengthen Whorlton bridge – but there's no quick fix." Teesdale Mercury, 16 Jan 2021, https://www.teesdalemercury.co.uk/news/plans-to-strengthen-whorlton-bridge-but-theres-no-quick-fix.
  

  Reports plans are being prepared to strengthen the bridge, but the work won't be completed into 2022, followed by a review to determine if the bridge can be reopened to automobiles.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20014864

Annotated Citations:

• Butler, Rory. "Marlow Bridge repairs will take almost a year." BuckinghamshireLive, 1 October 2021, https://www.buckinghamshirelive.com/news/buckinghamshire-news/repairs-mould-covered-marlow-bridge-5994064
  

  "A complete renovation of the road and foot bridge, currently covered in mould and rust, could take up to 40 weeks… The plans outline ‘refurbishment to the bridge, including works to the carriageway, footway, towers, lighting, drainage, parapet posts and timber rails’."

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20008004

Notes:

• Possibly completed in 1829.
• 1845, May 2: Collapsed under weight of large crowd that had gathered to watch a famous clown sail down the River Bure in a washtub pulled by swans.

External Links:

• Wikipedia - Yarmouth suspension bridge

Notes:

• According to MOS, the 284 foot measurement given for this bridge is for the "chord line" of the chains, not the pier-to-pier deck length.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20008012

Notes:

• BSI: Reported to have been "almost entirely renewed", 1885. Ruddock also suggests the bridge was originally constructed with just diagonal stays (as other Justice bridges) and the catenary chains were added during the renewal.
• 2024, May: Reopened after restoration completed.

External Links:

• The Happy Pontist: Scottish Bridges: 56. Crathie Suspension Bridge (after the flood)
• Structurae - Structure ID 20070665

Notes:

• Coordinates are for the present-day (2020) bridge at this location, the replacement for the bridge that replaced the suspension bridge. The suspension bridge was either on the identical alignment of the current bridge or immediately adjacent.

Notes:

• 1835, 1836, and 1844 all sometimes cited as the year of completion.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20058690

Notes:

• Dredge patent bridge.
• Closed in 2010 due to safety concerns. Scheduled to be largely rebuilt as a replica, starting April 2013 to be completed April 2014. Temporary truss installed through the bridge to permit traffic during the refurbishment. Reopened January 2015.

External Links:

• The Happy Pontist: Bath Bridges: 2. Victoria Bridge
• Structurae - Structure ID 20074523

Notes:

• Damaged by flood, 1876, and 1920. Reconstructed, 1921-1922. "Stranded" by shift in river's course, 1970's and 1980's, sweeping away southern approach spans. Deck removed, 1984.
• Known locally as "Shakin' Briggie" or "Shakkin' Briggie," but also referred to as Morrison Bridge and St. Devenick's Bridge.
• Restoration under consideration, 2005.

External Links:

• The Happy Pontist: Scottish Bridges: 1. The Shakkin' Briggie
• Structurae - Structure ID 20021622

Notes:

• Replaced by a stayed footbridge, opened 1984.
• See 1922 Llanstephan - Llanstephan, Wales, United Kingdom. This small vehicular bridge in nearby Llanstephan is sometimes misattributed as being located at Builth Wells. It is not.

Notes:

• Design based on James Dredge's taper principle patent.

Notes:

• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.
• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.
• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.
• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.

Notes:

• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.
• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.
• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.
• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.

Notes:

• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.
• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.
• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.
• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.

Notes:

• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.
• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.
• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.
• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.

Notes:

• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.
• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.
• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.
• Built as part of same project as 1842 (footbridge) - London, England, United Kingdom.

Notes:

• This distinctly Dredge bridge is currently sitting atop modern concrete piers.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20074525

Notes:

• Collapsed, September 12, 1988, under weight of truck that exceeded the posted weight limit.

Notes:

• BEM mentions three different years of completion: 1826, 1862, and 1843, all of which are likely incorrect. The bridge was out of service by 1864 as the chain cables were reused for the Clifton Bridge at Bristol, England.
• See 1864 Clifton - Bristol, England, United Kingdom.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20002315

Notes:

• Dredge patent bridge.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20074526

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20074527

Notes:

• William Dredge was the son of James Dredge known for his "taper principle" bridge design. Based on the description of the Shadwell bridge (in the sources cited by Jakkula), it is unclear if this Shadwell bridge followed Williams' father's design. 1848 is assumed as the year of completion based on the October 7, 1848 Mechanics' Magazine article cited by Jakkula which starts "A foot-suspension bridge has just been erected..."

Notes:

• 1928: Deck replaced. The aging suspension system was bypassed and the new deck supported by additional piers.
• Similar to 1854 Oich (Aberchalder) - Invergarry vicinity, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Notes:

• 1853 sometimes cited as the year it opened.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20026278

Notes:

• Dredge patent bridge.

Notes:

• Replaced by 1923 Queens Park - Chester and Handbridge, England, United Kingdom.

Notes:

• Relocated to a nearby park (Whin Park) where it carries a miniature railway, 1988. The coordinates listed here are for that later (miniature railway park) location.
• Companion to 1853 Island Bank Road - Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom.
• See 1988 (footbridge) - Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom.
• See 1988 (footbridge) - Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20015977

Notes:

• Companion to 1853 General's Well - Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom.
• See 1988 (footbridge) - Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom.
• See 1988 (footbridge) - Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Notes:

• Based on Dredge's patent.

Notes:

• Restored and re-opened, late 1990's.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20004764

Notes:

• Also sometimes attributed to Neil "Robinson" and completed 1853. May have originally been a narrow vehicular bridge.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20021611

Notes:

• Near 1881 Greig Street (Wobbly) - Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom. In some photos, the two bridges are visible within a few hundred yards of each other.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20015973

Notes:

• Reviews of this bridge were not favorable. Jakkula (AAJ) sites several contemporary sources (1857) objecting to the bridge obstructing the view of the scenery. One citation is summarized: "Regards the bridge as a hideous structure".

External Links:

• Suspension iron footbridge over the lake, St James's Park, London | RIBA pix

Notes:

• Replaced by 1937 Chelsea - London, England, United Kingdom.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20002316

Notes:

• Footbridge with large stone towers. Near Tarset Burn.
• Several sources suggest this bridge was completed in 1862.
• Similar to 1878 Sedgwick (Low Park Woods, New Sedgwick) - Sedgwick and Sizergh, England, United Kingdom.

External Links:

• Bridges on the Tyne. "Built to connect with Thorneyburn station on the Border Counties Railway."

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20003156

Notes:

• Built with chain cables reused from the Hungerford bridge.
• See 1845 Hungerford - London, England, United Kingdom.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20000018

Notes:

• AAJ lists the bridge at "Corry Halloch" bridge completed in 1875. Other sources mention 1867, and 1874.
• 1977: Anchorages replaced (HBR).
• 2021: Closed September 10 due to safety concerns. Repaired and re-opened in October.
• 2022, May: Closed again for maintenance and inspection, reopened by month's end.
• 2024, July: Closed again as a precaution pending inspection of its structural integrity.

Notes:

• Dredge patent bridge, possibly completed by his son William Dredge.

External Links:

• The Happy Pontist: Welsh Bridges: 10. Doldowlod Bridge. Photos and discussion of its history and uncertainty about the year it was completed.

Notes:

• HARPER: Likely destroyed by one of these major Dee River flood events: May 1913, December 1914, October 1920.

External Links:

• Waterside of Aboyne | Harper Bridges

Notes:

• Collapsed soon after it was completed under weight of 200 spectators.
• Replaced by 1873 Boatford - Langholm, Borders, Scotland, United Kingdom.

External Links:

• Shocklach | Harper Bridges

External Links:

• Tanarmouth | Harper Bridges

Notes:

• At former location of 1818 Dryburgh Abbey - Dryburgh and St. Boswells, Scotland, United Kingdom.
• Near Mertoun Estate - Mertoun, Scotland, United Kingdom.
• Replaced by 1911 Dryburgh Abbey - Dryburgh and St. Boswells, Scotland, United Kingdom.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20016083

Notes:

• Coordinates are approximate location of the bridge based on the description in HARPER noting the bridge crossed the railway at the estate of a Colonel Sandeman at Ravenscraig which is the location of the present day (2020) Ravenscraig Gardens in Dundee.

External Links:

• Ravenscraig | Harper Bridges

Notes:

• Replaced 1871 Boatford - Langholm, Borders, Scotland, United Kingdom.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20021603

Notes:

• 1988-1989: Restoration project completed
• 2022, August-September: Bridge closed for repairs. Reopened.
• Similar to 1862 (footbridge) - Greystead, England, United Kingdom.

External Links:

• National Trust Heritage Records - Suspension Bridge, River Kent, New Sedgwick Gunpowder Works, Low Park Woods, Sizergh

Notes:

• Carried a narrow gauge rail line over several tracks at the Crewe Locomotive Works. Used as a footbridge, 1929-1939.

Notes:

• 2020, November: Highland Council likely to close bridge if funding for urgent repairs cannot be raised.
• 2021, July: Reopened after interim repairs completed. Future major refurbishment expected.
• Companion to 1881 Greig Street (Wobbly) - Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Annotated Citations:

• Glen, Louise. “Closure Fears for Iconic Inverness Bridge Facing Huge Repair Bill.” Inverness Courier, 21 Apr. 2021, www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/closure-fears-for-iconic-inverness-bridge-facing-huge-repair-235713/.
  

  "Fears have been raised that decades of under investment in an iconic city bridge could see it closed permanently. Members of Ballifeary Community Council believe the cost of fixing and upgrading the Infirmary Bridge to bring it up to modern standards may be more than £1 million..."

• Duncan, Ian. "The future of Infirmary Bridge secured into the 2040s as Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee today agrees up to £550,000 in funding for repairs." Inverness Courier, 05 May 2021, www.inverness-courier.co.uk/news/the-future-of-infirmary-bridge-secured-into-the-2040s-237340/.
  

  "Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee agreed today to include up to £550,000 for repairs for Infirmary Bridge… 'It will be 2022 before the repairs are completed, but once done the bridge's life will be extended for a further 20 to 25 years.'"

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20005174

External Links:

• Monymusk | Harper Bridges

Notes:

• 2015, December: Destroyed by flooding during Storm Frank.
• Replaced by Birkhall - Birkhall, Ballater, Scotland, United Kingdom.

External Links:

• Birkhall | Harper Bridges

Notes:

• Completed c. 1880. Douglas Harper writes: "The original bridge was built by Harper & Co, Aberdeen, around 1880 and its timber pylons were replaced with cast iron ones. In 1979 when overloaded during a raft race a bank stay cable failed and a major rebuild was undertaken by the local authority. This version was similar to its predecessor but was repalced in 2005 by a cable stayed bridge."
• Replaced by 1980 Shakin - Burnhervie, Inverurie vicinity, Scotland, United Kingdom.

External Links:

• Burnhervie | Harper Bridges

Notes:

• Replaced by 1894 Cromdale - Cromdale, Scotland, United Kingdom.

Notes:

• Companion to 1879 Infirmary - Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom.
• Near 1855 Ness - Inverness, Scotland, United Kingdom. In some photos, the two bridges are visible within a few hundred yards of each other.

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20005173

Notes:

• William Craig describes the bridge, "A wood and angle iron deck supported from two pairs of wire cables and rod suspenders. The railings are of light woven wire. Pylons with ornamental heads are of lattice gider construction on concrete bases five miles west of Ballater, Scotland."
• Was already derelict before December 2015 flooding (Storm Frank) that severely damaged several River Dee bridges. Dave Cooper writes in early 2016: "The bridge's southern tower and its base are gone. The river bank has eroded back to within feet of the grade one listed Abergeldie Castle. Seat of Baron Abergeldie."

External Links:

• The Happy Pontist: Scottish Bridges: 57. Abergeldie Castle Bridge (after the flood)

Notes:

• Refurbished, 1989.
• John Gardner writes that William Bell was the village blacksmith and that the bridge once had an unusual mid-span support pillar. John writes: "It is not known when [the pillar] was dismantled, but the bottom section (you can see the dividing flange in the linked picture) can still be seen in normal water conditions."
• John Gardner later added: "[the bridge] was badly damaged by floods on December 14th 1936. It was reconstructed with the span a little higher, which was when the supporting pillar was removed."

Notes:

• HARPER: Some remnants of the bridge still present, 2006.

External Links:

• Craighall | Harper Bridges

External Links:

• Offord | Harper Bridges

Notes:

• 2019, April: Closed to vehicular traffic due to safety concerns after an inspection found fractures in the cast iron casings around the bridge pedestals. Some repair work followed, but was not fully funded or finished (as of mid-2020)
• 2020, August: Fractures found to have worsened during recent heatwave. Bridge is completely closed to all pedestrian and bicycle traffic. Pedestrian walkways under the bridge and all river traffic under the bridge are also prohibited (implying risk of collapse).
• 2020, December: Bridge may reopen to pedestrians and cyclists if deemed safe by maintenance contractor, Mott MacDonald.
• 2021, January: Plan discussed to "thread" a temporary truss along the length of the deck to permit traffic while the suspension bridge undergoes repairs.
• 2021, March: Feasibility study on "double-decker" temporary truss plan determines it is feasible, possibly opening to pedestrian and vehicular traffic by mid-2022.
• 2021, July: Reopened for pedestrian and bicycle use.
• Replaced 1827 Hammersmith - London, England, United Kingdom.

External Links:

• ENR - Engineers Ponder Solutions for Damaged London Bridge. February 22, 2021 Engineering News-Record article discusses proposal to thread a temporary truss between the towers to allow traffic while the larger suspension bridge repairs are completed. Recaps the issue: "Cracks have been found in the cast-iron pedestals that support suspension cable saddles at the abutments. Engineers suspect that roller bearings between the saddles and pedestals seized up at least 30 years ago…"
• Hammersmith Bridge | Temporary ‘double-decker’ proposal deemed technically feasible - New Civil Engineer. March 22, 2021
• The Happy Pontist: London Bridges: 33. Hammersmith Bridge
• Structurae - Structure ID 20008013

External Links:

• Nairn | Harper Bridges

External Links:

• Crathorne | Harper Bridges

External Links:

• The Happy Pontist: Staffordshire Bridges: 1. Ferry Bridge, Stapenhill
• Structurae - Structure ID 20024241

External Links:

• Structurae - Structure ID 20011371

Notes:

• HARPER: Likely located at Pelham Street, just east of the present-day (2020) Lincoln train station.

Notes:

• Closed May 2015 for repairs. Reopened October, 2015.

External Links:

• The Happy Pontist: Scottish Bridges: 19. Polhollick Suspension Bridge
• The Happy Pontist: Scottish Bridges: 44. Polhollick Bridge (revisited)
• Structurae - Structure ID 20021613

Notes:

• Replaced 2014. One tower remains as a monument to the Harper bridge.

External Links:

• Dorrator | Harper Bridges