Study in steel

Image: © Jonathan Wilkins Taken: 26 Apr 2009

The present bridge at Tal y Cafn was built in 1977-8 to replace the life-expired 1895 toll bridge of rivetted steel plate and angle which had supplanted the ferry. Although the masonry and concrete piers were sound, the deck sections were severely corroded. This is not a Bailey bridge, however, despite being known locally as such. It is actually a Callender-Hamilton bridge, designed by A. M. Hamilton and constructed by Callender Cables. The Bailey bridge was a different design utilising pre-fabricated panels, whereas this is of unit construction. The new bridge was constructed around the original and lowered into place on the existing piers by cutting away the old bridge piece by piece. The galvanised steel sections have stood up well to the local weather conditions. Commemorative plaques in the western end walls record the original construction and the reconstruction on opposite sides of the road - it is important to read both. Although this road is classified as B5279, it is too narrow in places for vehicles to pass, but it makes the shortest link to the trunk road network. For the alternative crossings, see Pont-y-pair Image, Pont Fawr Image and the Conwy suspension bridge Image

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