The Iron Bridge - How was it Built?

Page 4 of 6

• 1. A construction mystery
• 2. Building begins
• 3. Arches and ribs
• 4. Deck bearers
• 5. Facts and figures
• 6. Find out more
• Print entire article

Deck bearers

Stage 6

The Deck Bearers were brought in at high level from the now completed abutment on the north bank, probably having been cast in a temporary furnace in The Square next to the Bridge. Each one was different and made to measure. Each pair of straight Deck Bearers was linked at the centre by a 5m long curved casting, the Crown Bearer, which gripped and tightened the Crown Joint. All the joints on the Bridge were then packed with iron blocks and wedges, which were sealed in with lead.

Stage 7

Deck plates were probably cast in The Square and levered into place, starting with the centre one. They were located along the Deck Bearers by cast iron wedges and were topped by a road surface of clay and blast furnace slag.

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Published: 2002-01-01