Hawarden Bridge, (also listed in Sealand rec no )

A 3-span bow-string girder bridge, with 2 fixed spans and a longer swing-span to the N, which stands on large cylindrical iron piers, faced in local brick. The swing-span is no longer operational, but opened about a central pier, which still has machinery including pulleys and chains to its top. It was operated hydraulically, the original small engine house no longer extant. It could open in 40 seconds to a width of 140 feet (43m). The Bow-profile arches are of riveted I-section iron beams, with vertical and raked struts and some cross-pieces. The swing-span struts have pierced ovals, presumably to reduce the weight. Cross-beams link the heads of the arches. The bridge has a flat deck, the soffit with 4 further girders between the bow-string girders. It rests on substantial brick abutments with concrete copings, that to the N with a strengthening arch with several orders of mouldings. Large cylindrical piers beneath centre of swing-span and to its S end, the 2 fixed spans supported on twin piers divided by an arch. Long timber jetties project to E and W of the cylindrical piers, partly functioning as cut-waters and also to provide access and support to the swing mechanism. To the NW, in the water, is part of a curved gantry on iron piers, which may have supported the span when it opened. Adjoining the S end is a more traditional 7-span brick section, providing flood arches over the banks of the Dee. It has segmental brick arches and a string course to parapets with snecked stone coping, and is divided by a corbelled brick buttress. Walkways to each side of bridge, that to W with original plain metal railings. That on E side has been widened c2000 to form a cycle way.