Barnhalt Footbridge, Taylors Avenue, Carrickfergus

Barnhalt Footbridge, situated on Taylors Avenue in Carrickfergus, is a recently conserved iron footbridge of notable design and technical merit, serving the local community. It was erected around 1880 as part of the line for the Carrickfergus to Larne railway. The structure’s functional appearance is enhanced by its richly detailed cast-iron decoration.

The bridge is a single-span cast-iron footbridge, oriented north/south, crossing the railway line. It was completely refurbished off-site in 2005. This cast-iron girder structure forms a depressed arch with wrought-iron latticed parapets and balustrades, and a quarter-paced landing on either side. The parapet/balustrade is supported by a series of swan-neck iron brackets, while the landings are supported on four cast-iron columns with ornate capitals, rising to form four posts to the landings. These posts have ball-headed finials and moulded bases, set in concrete. A single flight of steps leads to the south, and a dog-leg flight to the north, both featuring pre-cast open-tread concrete steps and non-slip steel sheeting to the deck and landings. A pair of iron plaques on the west elevation identify the maker as Walter MacFarlane & Co., Architectural, Sanitary & Artistic, Ironfounders, of Saracen Foundry, Glasgow.

The railway line first appeared on the second edition Ordnance Survey map of 1857. The Belfast and Ballymena Railway opened in 1848, extending to Randalstown and Carrickfergus, with the Carrickfergus-Larne section opening in 1862. A report to Carrickfergus Borough Council in autumn 2005 detailed repairs completed that October, including replacement of corroded members, repairs to the wrought-iron latticework, a new concrete deck, anti-slip surfacing for the deck and steps, and grit blasting and painting of the entire structure. The bridge is of industrial archaeological interest and is notable for its style, proportions, ornamentation, plan form, structural system, and setting.