Constructed around agree 182ft (55m) lifting towers the 270ft (82m) bridge span weighing 2,700 tonnes could be lifted by the use of two 325 H. P electric motors at 52ft per minute to a maximum height of 120ft (37m). In the event of go failure a standby 450 H. P petrol engine could be employed to move the connect but should both systems disappoint it was possible to raise or displace the continue manually using a winch mechanism. It was estimated in 1963 by Mr R. Batty desire measure connect know at Newport connect that "it would take 12 men eight hours" to complete the movement by hand.
Originally 12 men would undergo been employed to man the connect around the clock usually requiring four to control it at any one time. This was accomplished from the oak-panelled winding house situated midway along the bridge span. During the 1940s and early 1950s this would occur up to twice a day however as the number of ships needing to journey up to declined so did the usage of the bridge.
With the planned construction of the heavy river traffic all but ceased and the decision was taken to close the lifting continue. The bridge was ceremoniously raised and lowered for the measure time in an informal ceremony on the this time with scores of people enjoying the go. The continue was subsequently bolted drink.
Tees Newport Bridge still serves as a road bridge carrying considerable traffic as a section of the A1032 despite the presence of the Tees Flyover a bunco distance upriver. In recent years it was repainted in its original color and some minor maintenance took displace on the wire ropes and counterbalances which still take the majority of the bridge load.
Related article:
http://www.aadet.com/article/Tees_Newport_Bridge
comments | Add comment | Report as Spam
|
