DEVELOPMENT – BRIDGE 18 (Step 1.2.4.5)

Bridge 18 (uploaded 17 November 2008)

Bridge 18 is referred to in the bridge register as ‘Tyre Mill’ overbridge, but since it carries the road which connects the upper and lower parts of the hamlet of Forgeside together. It is referred to locally as the ‘Forgeside Road bridge’. It as thought initially that work would be required by the railway if trains were to be allowed under it. It turned out though that responsibility for maintenance of this bridge lay with the local highways authority. The Railway Inspector has looked at the bridge and has expressed no serious concern. The bridge also carries Forgeside Road over the cyclepath, and if cyclists are safe from bits falling off the bridge, one must assume that passengers in carriages with roofs are even more so!

This being the case, the bridge does not properly fall within the sphere of development and this description is included simply for the sake of interest and completeness

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The bridge looking south, that is, in the down direction. The ramp on the left is longer than usual because of the lie of the land, and the pretty little arch, in blue brick,, we are assured, is not on the path of a tramway, despite the plethora of tramways in the area. This bridge did not exist when the railway was built, and the arch is an ‘accommodation’ arch, built to satisfy of the needs of the local landowner

Looking north the cycletrack dominates the left of the image. Just visible in the distance is a gang of more than a dozen PBR stalwarts busy in their programme of changing rotten wooden sleepers for sleepers made of concrete, in readiness for the public service due to start in April 2010.

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Above the bridge looking west, it is easy to see the flanks of the Coity ridge, and the assymmetry of the bridge

Looking the other way, to the eastthe town of Blaenavon is seen to the right of the image, whilst above the right parapet, the iconic balance tower, centrepiece of the famous Blaenavon Ironworks, may just be seen by those with hi-res monitors

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