Brunel's swing bridge alongside north entrance lock

Swing bridge of 1849-1850 by IK Brunel, moved to its current location with alterations in 1873, and with C21 repairs.

MATERIALS: constructed of wrought and cast iron with repairs in cast iron and steel.

DESCRIPTION: the bridge stands in its open position, parallel to the south side of Howard’s Lock, and is 33.7m in length. A balloon flange girder type, it is formed by tubular section long members with wrought-iron tie bars, side panels and flanged plate girders (transverse to the ends and turntable beams to the centre) providing the deck support. The timber deck covering has been removed. The transverse beams are set diagonally. The turntable beams are engaged with a pivot pin set in a wheel pit with an iron ring. Four iron wheels, one a C21 replacement, are sat in plummer blocks in the pit. These wheels help turn the bridge via a turntable ring with C21 steel track. Outer wheels are carried in a sunken iron rail, which terminates at a timber bollard. Inspection panels in the ground extending from below the bridge cover the machinery used to drive the swing bridge and are lined with riven stone setts.