Perth Bridge
Perth Bridge | |
---|---|
looking across to Perth Bridge | |
Coordinates | 56°23′56″N 3°25′31″W / 56.3990°N 3.4252°WCoordinates: 56°23′56″N 3°25′31″W / 56.3990°N 3.4252°W |
Carries | Two lanes of the A85 |
Crosses | River Tay |
Locale | Perth, Scotland |
Maintained by | Perth and Kinross Council |
Heritage status | Category A listed |
Characteristics | |
Design | Arch |
History | |
Opened | 1771 |
Perth Bridge (also known as Smeaton's Bridge, locally, the Old Bridge and in the local dialect of Scots, "the Auld Brig") is a toll-free bridge in the city of Perth, Scotland. It spans the River Tay, connecting Perth, on the western side of the river, to Bridgend, on its eastern side, carrying both automotive and pedestrian traffic of West Bridge Street (the A85). It is a Category A listed structure.[1]
The bridge was completed in October 1771,[2][3] which places it in the Georgian era; however, its plaque states the year in which construction began, 1766, as its "built" date. The engineer of its construction was John Smeaton, after whom the bridge is named.
Funded by Thomas Hay, 9th Earl of Kinnoull, the government, and public subscription, the bridge was put to the test three years after its completion. In February 1774, during a quick thaw, broken ice became wedged under the arches and created a natural dam. Large sections of Perth, including both of its Inches, were flooded. The bridge, however, stood firm.[4] It has survived many subsequent floods, and marks documenting these levels are visible on one of its piers.[5]
An increase in traffic resulted in the bridge being widened in 1869 by A.D. Stewart. Its stone parapets were removed, and footpaths projected over iron brackets.[4]
Gallery
A view from Bridgend's East Bridge Street to West Bridge Street, which traverses the bridge. Gowrie Street is to the left; Main Street to the right. Perth Museum and Art Gallery is in view at the far end of the bridge
References
- ^ Historic Environment Scotland. "Perth Bridge Over River Tay (Category A) (LB39339)". Retrieved 2 April 2019.
- ^ Perth and Kinross Council website - Lottery Levity 2
- ^ EngineeringTimelines.com
- ^ a b "Bridges of Perth" at PerthCity.co.uk Archived 27 September 2007 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ HistoryCooperative.org - Neil MacDonald Archived 21 January 2008 at the Wayback Machine