Perth Bridge

Infobox_Bridge
bridge_name = Perth Bridge

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caption = A view of seven of Perth Bridge's nine arches
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carries = Two lanes of the A85
crosses = River Tay
locale = Perth, Scotland
maint = Perth and Kinross Council
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design = Arch
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open = 1771
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Perth Bridge (also known as Smeaton's Bridge and, locally, the Old Bridge) is a toll-free bridge in the royal burgh of Perth, Scotland. It spans the River Tay, connecting the centre of Perth, on the eastern side of the river, to Bridgend, on its western side, carrying both automotive and pedestrian traffic of West Bridge Street (the A85).

The bridge was completed in October 1771, [ [http://www.pkc.gov.uk/Education+and+learning/Libraries+archives+and+learning+centres/Libraries+-+local+and+special+collections/Local+studies+-+additional+resources/Amazing+past+Perthshire/Lottery+Levity+2.htm Perth and Kinross Council website - Lottery Levity 2] ] [ [http://www.engineering-timelines.com/scripts/engineeringItem.asp?id=429 EngineeringTimelines.com] ] which places it in the Georgian era; however, its plaque states the year in which construction began, 1766, as its "built" date. The engineer of its construction was John Smeaton, for whom the bridge is named.

Funded by the Earl of Kinnoull, the government, and public subscription, the bridge was put to the test three years after its completion. In February 1774, during a quick thaw, broken ice became wedged under the arches and created a natural dam. Large sections of Perth, including both of its Inches, were flooded. The bridge, however, stood firm. [http://www.perthcity.co.uk/index.asp?pg=60 "Bridges of Perth" at PerthCity.co.uk] ] It has survived many subsequent floods, and marks documenting these levels are visible on one of its piers. [ [http://www.historycooperative.org/journals/eh/12.1/macdonald.html HistoryCooperative.org - Neil MacDonald] ]

An increase in traffic resulted in the bridge being widened in 1869 by A.D. Stewart. Its stone parapets were removed, and footpaths projected over iron brackets.

Gallery

References

External links

* [http://www.perthcity.co.uk/index.asp?pg=60 Bridges of Perth at PerthCity.co.uk]