Carnanbane Bridge, Carnanbane Road, Dungiven, Co Londonderry

A sturdy sandstone bridge of two segmental arches, built in the mid-19th century (likely between 1860 and 1879), carries Carnanbane Road over the Owenreagh River, situated between the townlands of Carnanbane and Templemoyle. The bridge is constructed from rubble sandstone with regularly cut voissoirs (shaped stones) and keystones defining the arches, which each span 7½ metres. The arches rise from low support walls that incorporate projecting plain stone bands and curved breakwaters at the central support. These side walls extend downstream as river bank revetments. The 6-metre wide carriageway is flanked by 35-metre long parapet walls, terminating in piers at each end. A flat string course connects the piers both upstream and downstream, just above the arch keystones. The parapet walls feature flat, slightly oversized coping stones, with pyramidal capping on the terminal piers. The soffits of the arches are of rubble construction, incorporating two tie rods in each arch. The bridge’s straight span creates a pleasant, tree-lined approach to the historic church ruins at the top of Carnanbane Road. It is noted for its style, proportions, plan form, structural system and setting, and possesses local historical interest, alongside industrial archaeological interest. Historical records indicate that the bridge was constructed as part of a new road connecting Dungiven to Omagh, although this road was never completed beyond Templemoyle.