New Bridge, Burnfoot, Derryork Road, Dungiven, Co Londonderry

The New Bridge, built between 1880 and 1899, is a handsome three-arch bridge of the late 19th century, constructed in well-executed and detailed ashlar sandstone. The bridge spans the River Roe, situated between Burnfoot on the west bank and the Derryork Road approach from the east, within the townland of Inisconagher. Designed by the Offices of Public Works, it demonstrates group value through its architectural style, proportions, ornamentation, and setting.

The bridge features three segmented arches, each spanning approximately 6 metres, rising from vertical supports that project beyond the arches to form semi-circular and half-domed breakwaters, upstream and downstream. A plain stringcourse delineates the springing line and extends around the breakwaters. Above each breakwater is a shallow buttress which continues up through the parapet wall. The arches are constructed with well-executed voissoirs displaying rock faces, and tooled margins. A plain string course also defines the base of the parapet wall, matching the depth of the coping stone. The bridge abutments extend significantly beyond the riverbanks. The parapets are 40 metres long, with a carriage width of 6½ metres, and retain a consistently horizontal profile, contributing to the bridge’s overall aesthetic. A commemorative stone plaque, featuring a moulded and sunken panel, is affixed to the parapet wall, although the inscription is currently undecipherable. According to earlier sources, the plaque originally read “Built / by / Arthur Huston / Cavanocor / …../ …..”

Historical records indicate no reference to a bridge at this location in the 1834-5 Ordnance Survey Memoirs, which described the existing bridges in the area as “clumsy”. While the bridge’s design shares similarities with a mid-19th century structure at Ballyroney, it exhibits a greater level of sophistication in its execution. The bridge is recorded on the 1905 Ordnance Survey 6-inch map, as noted in the Environment Heritage Service’s first Building Survey. The surrounding landscape is characterized by flat terrain with raised, double riverbanks. A small recreational area with riverside walks has been created downstream on the west bank. The bridge possesses both local historical interest and characteristics of industrial archaeological interest.