DEVELOPMENT – BRIDGE 16 (STEP 1.2.4.3)

Bridge 16 (uploaded 28 October 2008, new photos uploaded 17 Nov 2008)

Bridge 16, otherwise known as the ‘Low Cycleway Bridge’ was built with limited headroom. It spanned a series of tramways, which carried nothing higher than drams of coal and coke. A few years back, when it was decided to run the cycleway through it, grave concerns were expressed regarding the possibility of cyclist braining themselves on the lower webs of its longitudinal girders, and pains were taken to lower the original ground level in this area. This was a particularly difficult exercise as underground drains had also to be accommodated. Although the steelwork is in generally good condition there are localised areas of serious corrosion which will be made good as part of the current development. The southern stone abutment has also suffered damage and it will also be receiving attention. Incidentally, Bridge 15 no longer exists. This exceptionally long span was taken down in the mid-seventies and replaced by a narrow embankment.

Bridge 16 looking roughly north east. Here is the cycletrack dipping down to gain height under the low beams.

A closer view of the southern abutment, viewed from the west, shows some damage to the abutment. The face of the abutment is seen to have rotated under the load. Whilst some of this damage was undoubtedly due to the procession of coal trains rumbling down the line, most is probably due to frost heave. Some holes can be seen in the web of the longitudinals, but these are localised and easy to repair

The opposite view from that above, that is, to the south west, almost brings us to the realms of ‘black satanic mills’ with Doncaster’s works forming a backdrop. Hardly black, but the thumping of the gigantic presses inside certainly reinforces the notion of ‘satanic mills’

Viewed to the south from above the bridge. The large wall on the left is of some historic importance and forms an original part of ‘Tyre Mill’, and is protected by statute. Just beyond this bridge the steep gradient flattens through the site of Tyre Mill Sidings before steepening again and finally levelling into Blaenavon (HIgh Level)

WORK GETS UNDER WAY (uploaded 17 February 2009)

It had been planned that PBR would remove rails trimbers and decking from the bridge. Imagine our surprise to find Doncaster’s contractors digging a huge trench under the bridge. Under the circumstances we had to suspend our work since progress could not be made without risking the safety of the men working below. img_1850rr	After recovering our composure we confined our efforts to removing the rails and chairs. This was a masterpiece of poor planning with several weeks spend preparing and seeking approval for safety documentation wasted. All this was on Saturday 17 January. This view looks north img_1852rr	Nevertheless by 21 January main contractors Griffithsof Abrgavenny had remove the massive baulk timbers and the timber decking exposing a series of very corroded cross girders. This view also looks north img_1860rr
	Left: A few days later the scaffolders were in, preparing a floor on which the grit blasting team could stand, and a frame upon which the ‘tent’ would be erected to contain the dust. This is the view looking south. img_1880rr Right: Looking north west we see the tent erected img_1905rr

Left: An illicit peep under the tent shows the main structure ready for a primer coat and welding repairs. This view is looking north east, but there is no easy way of telling. A few days after this photo was taken the primer coat was on img_1910rr Right: Looking south we see that the tent has done little to contain the dust. It does however keep the rain and snow off the workforce and allows work to proceed. Priming and welding – and possibly even the top coats of black paint will continue under the canopy img_1912rr

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