Suspension Bridges 1700-1834 (1-100 of 173)


This is a list of bridges 1 through 100 (of 173 total) in the suspension bridge inventory completed from 1700 through 1834, the year the Grand Pont Suspendu was completed. Wherever you see a Bridgemeister ID number click it to isolate the bridge on its own page.

Related Lists:

1734: (suspension bridge)

Gliwice vicinity, Upper Silesia, Poland - Oder River
Bridgemeister ID:371 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1734
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Gliwice vicinity, Upper Silesia, Poland
Crossing:Oder River
Principals:Army of the Palatinate of Saxony
References:AAJ, BPL
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

Notes:

  • Often claimed to be the first use of metal in a suspension structure in the Western world.
  • Location always cited as "across the Oder near Glorywitz, Prussia" however the name "Glorywitz" only ever appears in citations of this bridge. Likely it was near the modern city of Gliwice in Poland, also known as Gleiwitz (German) and Glywicy (Silesian)

1741: Winch

Middleton-in-Teesdale, England, United Kingdom - River Tees
Bridgemeister ID:372 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1741
Name:Winch
Also Known As:Wynch
Location:Middleton-in-Teesdale, England, United Kingdom
Crossing:River Tees
At or Near Feature:Low Force
References:AAJ, BEM, BPL, HBE, PTS2
Use:Footbridge
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 21.3 meters (70 feet)

Notes:

  • Varying histories of this catwalk-style bridge exist. Some claim it was built 1704, a cable snapped in 1802 killing three people, and it was then rebuilt in 1830 (the present bridge). Others attribute the bridge to 1741 and have the 1802 incident killing "one or two people".
  • Replaced by 1830 Wynch (Winch) - Middleton-in-Teesdale, England, United Kingdom.

External Links:


1784: Chain

Weilburg, Germany - Lahn River
Bridgemeister ID:582 (added 2003-01-01)
Year Completed:1784
Name:Chain
Location:Weilburg, Germany
Crossing:Lahn River
References:PTS2
Use:Pipeline
Status:Replaced, 1888
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Main Span:1 x 35 meters (114.8 feet)

Notes:

  • Carried a water pipeline with eight iron chains.

External Links:


1801: Jacob's Creek

Iron Bridge, Mount Pleasant vicinity, Pennsylvania, USA - Jacob's Creek
Bridgemeister ID:3 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1801
Name:Jacob's Creek
Also Known As:Iron Bridge, Chain Bridge
Location:Iron Bridge, Mount Pleasant vicinity, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Jacob's Creek
Coordinates:40.112598 N 79.553186 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Judge James Finley
References:AAJ, ASB, BBR, BOB, BPL, CAB, DSE20000116, HBE, LAB, PTS2
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed, 1833
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 21.3 meters (70 feet)
Deck width:12.5 feet

Notes:

  • In an email dated January 16, 2000, Don Sayenga provided information about the location of this bridge. Generally attributed to Uniontown (the seat of Fayette County, PA), Mr. Sayenga offers some clues about the bridge's true location. "[James Finley] stated that he built it near the home of his friend Meason which implies a connection for the iron as Meason was making iron. Meason's home has survived by the way, a beautiful place. Finley stated it was a combination contract with the cost split between two counties, and he stated it was built over Jacob's Creek which is the county boundary. He also makes it clear it was on the road to Greensburg. The only place the old road crossed Jacob's Creek is just south of Mount Pleasant, Pennsylvania. On the geodetic survey maps this spot is marked "Iron Bridge" but there is no town there. The last time I was there I saw a sign that said 'Iron Bridge' on an automobile scrap yard. I found absolutely no trace of the bridge, but it was not very big, so there was no need for a huge abutment."
  • First suspension bridge with a rigid level deck, often considered the world's first modern suspension bridge.
  • Coordinates are for the likely location of the bridge, where present-day (2020) Pennsylvania route 3105 crosses Jacob's Creek.

External Links:


1807: Chain

Georgetown, District of Columbia and Virginia, USA - Potomac River
Bridgemeister ID:4 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1807
Name:Chain
Location:Georgetown, District of Columbia and Virginia, USA
Crossing:Potomac River
Coordinates:38.92959 N 77.11627 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:John Templeman
References:AAJ, BBR, BCW, CAB, DSE20000118, HBE, PTS2
Use:Vehicular
Status:Destroyed, 1812
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 39.2 meters (128.5 feet)

Notes:

  • BCW gives completion date of 1810 and says bridge was destroyed by flood two years later.
  • Coordinates given are for the current crossing (VA SR123, still known locally as "Chain Bridge Road") which is on (or very close) to the alignment of Chain Bridge. Chain Bridge was the third bridge at this site. The current structure is the eighth and was completed in 1940.

External Links:


1807: Wills Creek

Cumberland, Maryland, USA - Wills Creek
Bridgemeister ID:5 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1807
Name:Wills Creek
Location:Cumberland, Maryland, USA
Crossing:Wills Creek
Principals:John Templeman
References:AAJ, BCW, CAB, DSE20000203, HBE
Status:Destroyed, 1810
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Main Span:1 x 42.4 meters (139 feet)

Notes:


1809: (suspension bridge)

Brownsville vicinity, Pennsylvania, USA
Bridgemeister ID:8 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1809
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Brownsville vicinity, Pennsylvania, USA
References:AAJ, CAB, DSE20000203, HBE
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

1809: (suspension bridge)

Brownsville, Pennsylvania, USA - Dunlap's Creek
Bridgemeister ID:7 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1809
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Brownsville, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Dunlap's Creek
Principals:John Templeman
References:AAJ, BCW, CAB, DSE20000118, DSE20000203, HBE
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

External Links:

  • Dunlap's Creek Bridge (link reported not working). "The first recorded bridge across Dunlap's Creek was a wooden structure constructed prior to 1774. It was repaired in 1801, but was destroyed during a spring storm in 1808. A chain-link suspension bridge was built on the site in 1809; it collapsed under the weight of snow and a heavily laden wagon in 1820. A third bridge, another wooden structure, built in 1821 also failed. The present bridge is thus the fourth bridge at the site."
  • Structurae - Structure ID 20008055

1809: Schuylkill Falls

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA - Schuylkill River
Bridgemeister ID:9 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1809
Name:Schuylkill Falls
Location:Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Schuylkill River
Principals:John Templeman
References:AAJ, BBR, BPL, CAB, DSE20000118, HBE, PTS2
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:2
Main Spans:2 x 46.6 meters (153 feet)
Deck width:18 feet

Notes:

  • Failed 1811, 1816. HBE notes the 1811 was due to weight of cattle. The 1816 failure was due to weight of ice and snow.

External Links:


1810: (suspension bridge)

Frankfort, Kentucky, USA - Kentucky River
Bridgemeister ID:10 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1810
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Frankfort, Kentucky, USA
Crossing:Kentucky River
References:AAJ, CAB
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:2
Main Spans:2 x 50.9 meters (167 feet)

External Links:


1810: (suspension bridge)

Paulings Ford, Pennsylvania, USA - Schuylkill River
Bridgemeister ID:11 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1810
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Paulings Ford, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Schuylkill River
References:CAB
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

External Links:


1810: (suspension bridge)

Reading, Pennsylvania, USA - Schuykill River
Bridgemeister ID:12 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1810
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Reading, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Schuykill River
Principals:Ulrich Kissinger
References:CAB
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

External Links:


1810: (suspension bridge)

Wilmington, Delaware, USA - Brandywine Creek
Bridgemeister ID:6 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1810
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Wilmington, Delaware, USA
Crossing:Brandywine Creek
References:AAJ, BCW, CAB, DSE20000203, HBE
Status:Destroyed, 1822
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 44.2 meters (145 feet)
Deck width:30 feet

Notes:

  • Destroyed by flood, 1822.

External Links:


1810: (suspension bridge)

Wrightstown, Pennsylvania, USA - Neshaminy River
Bridgemeister ID:13 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1810
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Wrightstown, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Neshaminy River
Principals:John Parker
References:AAJ, CAB, DSE20000403
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Main Spans:2 x 30.5 meters (100 feet)

External Links:


1810: Chain

Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA - Merrimack River
Bridgemeister ID:14 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1810
Name:Chain
Also Known As:Essex-Merrimack
Location:Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA
Crossing:Merrimack River
At or Near Feature:Deer Island
Coordinates:42.833947 N 70.906811 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:John Templeman
References:AAJ, BBR, CAB, GBD, HBE, POPE, PTS2, RDH
Use:Vehicular (two-lane, light vehicles only)
Status:Replaced, 1909
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 74.1 meters (243 feet)
Deck width:30 feet (2 roadways of 15 feet)

Notes:

  • John Templeman built several bridges (like this one) using James Finley's design.
  • Repaired in 1827 after 5 of 10 chains snapped under weight of a team of oxen.
  • The complete description from Thomas Pope's 1811 Treatise (POPE):
    "The chain Bridge lately thrown over the Merrimack, three miles above Newburyport, in the state of Massachusetts, is now in constant use. This Bridge consists of a single arc, two hundred and forty-four feet span. The abutments are of stone, forty-seven feet long, and thirty-seven high; the uprights, or framed work, which stand on the abutments, are thirty-five feet high, over which are suspended ten distinct chains, the ends of which on both sides of the river are buried deep in pits and secured by large stones: each chain is five hundred and sixteen feet long; and, where they pass over the uprights, they are treble, and made in short links, which is said to be more secure than saddles made of plates of iron. The four middle joists rest on the chains; all the rest are suspended to the main chains to equalize the floor. This Bridge has two passage-ways of fifteen feet in width each, and the floor is so solid as to admit of horses, carriages, etc. to travel at any speed, with very little perceptible motion of the floors. The railing is stout and strong, which adds much firmness to the floor. There are three chains in each range on each side, and four in the middle range: they are calculated to support nearly five hundred tons. From the surface of the water to the middle of the floor is forty feet; and from the top of the abutments to the top of the uprights is thirty-five feet high, making seventy-two feet. The magnitude and power of the abutments, the width and length of the floors, the elevation of the work, the evident powers of the chains, etc. all conspire to make it a wonderful work. Every expense attending it did not amount to twenty-five thousand dollars. The abutment being of stone, the uprights covered, and the chains painted to prevent rust, leaves nothing but the flooring to decay. This Bridge was constructed by John Templeman, Esq. of the district of Columbia, whose talents for the productions of such work, and the various improvements suggested and used by him, have been highly beneficial, and do him great credit."
  • Gregory W. Buff sent a transcription of an article describing the 1827 failure. The article was in the Saturday, February 24, 1827 issue (Volume IV, Number 31) of the Canadian Spectator (Montreal, Quebec) newspaper:
    "Newburyport, Feb 9. Disastrious [sic] Accident. - On Tuesday morning last, the Essex Merrimack Bridge gave way in the centre, from the parting of the chains that support it. On the Bridge, at the moment, was a loaded team, drawn by six oxen and two horses, driven by two men, Messrs. Garlton [sic] and Jackman, all of whom were precipitated, forty feet, into the river beneath. The teamsters preserved themselves by means of swimming, and the support of fragments of the bridge; the team were all of them except one of the horses, swept beneath the ice a few rods below, and drowned. Five of the ten chains which supported the Bridge, were snapped in different places, and now remain upholding the broken and shattered timber altogether as sad a wreck as we ever witnessed. At the moment of the crash, the light evolved from the friction of the chains resembled the the vivid streaming of a meteor. Various excuses are assigned for the accident, and none, with more probability, than the united effect of the incumbent pressure of the immense body of snow lying upon the bridge, and the frost which had contracted the particles of iron. These produced a tenseness in the chains, which was incapable of resisting the additional pressure of the loaded team, and the whole gave way. The estimated expense of repairing the breach is about 4000 dollars; and the Directors, as we understand, plan to set about it immediately. It will be built up as before. To those who have been losers by this accident the corporation intend to make generous inumeration. The traveling will be uninterrupted, as the solidity of the ice above the bridge forms a safe passage way - and for the conveyance of carriages and heavy baggage the proprietors have promptly provided suitable boats. If any aversion to chain bridges has been produced by this accident, we should be sorry, for ourselves we feel yet unshaken faith in their superior security. The misfortune in this case was no doubt owing to the causes above stated, and not to any defect in the construction of the bridge. Probably hundreds of individuals, including each sex and all ages, have visited the ruins of the bridge. They present a sad and melancholy appearance - crushed and broken timbers suspended by the massy chains, which hang lazily from the pyramidical abutments, while the beholder instinctly shrinks back in terror at the reflection of the situation of the two human beings who were precipitated into the abyss beneath. The preservation of these two men is almost miraculous. Although hurled down 40 feet amid crashing and falling timber, entangled with their cattle, they fell without receiving the least injury, and attained the shore, after being for nearly half an hour, immerse in water chilled to the freezing point. Mr. Jackman is far advanced in years - and suffered somewhat from the exposure to the cold. Mr. Carlton [sic], escaped unhurt. The Chain Bridge has been built for about fifteen years, the span is 220 feet. We believe this was the second or third Chain Bridge built in the United States; and this is probably the first that has met with a similar accident. We understand the proprieters of the Rooks Bridge intend to rebuild theirs as a Chain Bridge."
  • Replaced by 1909 Chain - Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA. The 1909 structure was almost entirely new (except for portions of the piers and abutments).

External Links:

Stereoview, collection of David Denenberg Glass slide, collection of David Denenberg Postcard, collection of David Denenberg

1811: (suspension bridge)

Juniata Crossing, Pennsylvania, USA - Juniata River
Bridgemeister ID:15 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1811
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Juniata Crossing, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Juniata River
References:CAB, DSE20000403
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

External Links:


1811: (suspension bridge)

Kentucky, USA
Bridgemeister ID:16 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1811
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Kentucky, USA
References:CAB
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

1811: (suspension bridge)

Kentucky, USA
Bridgemeister ID:17 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1811
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Kentucky, USA
References:CAB
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

1811: Third Street

Easton, Pennsylvania, USA - Lehigh River
Bridgemeister ID:18 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1811
Name:Third Street
Location:Easton, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Lehigh River
Principals:Jacob Blumer (?)
References:CAB, DSE20000203
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

External Links:


1814: Hamilton Street

Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA - Lehigh River
Bridgemeister ID:19 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1814
Name:Hamilton Street
Location:Allentown, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Lehigh River
Principals:Jacob Blumer
References:AAJ, CAB, DSE20000203, PTS2
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:4
Main Spans:2
Side Spans:2

External Links:


1816: Galashiels

Galashiels, Scotland, United Kingdom - Gala Water
Bridgemeister ID:584 (added 2003-01-01)
Year Completed:1816
Name:Galashiels
Location:Galashiels, Scotland, United Kingdom
Crossing:Gala Water
Principals:Richard Lees
References:AAJ, BSI, HBE, PTS2
Use:Footbridge
Status:Destroyed, 1839
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 33.8 meters (111 feet)
Deck width:3 feet

Notes:

  • BSI: Originally erected in the form of a traditional suspension bridge, but soon reinforced with wire stays from much larger towers to reduce unwanted motion. Destroyed by flood, 1839.

1816: Spider

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA - Schuylkill River
Bridgemeister ID:20 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1816
Name:Spider
Location:Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Schuylkill River
Principals:Josiah White, Erskine Hazard
References:AAJ, BOB, BPL, GHD, HBE, LAB, PTS2
Use:Footbridge
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Main Span:1 x 120 meters (393.75 feet)

Notes:

  • Narrow footbridge. First wire bridge in North America. HBE notes "first wire suspension bridge in any country."
  • Often described as having collapsed under the weight of ice and snow, Don Sayenga notes that no contemporary sources confirm this demise. Since the nearby chain bridge did fail under weight of ice and snow, he believes this fate has been misattributed to the White and Hazard footbridge. Don believes the bridge was just dismantled at some point after June, 1816.
  • Al Zagofsky also wrote to explain there was no evidence of this bridge collapsing under weight of ice and snow. Al writes: "According to an original source Captain Joshua Rowley Watson, who inspected the bridge on June 15, 1816: '...There was a bridge, but which by the weight of ice and snow, has been carried away.' This refers to the previous bridge that the cable bridge was temporarily replacing. I did not see any cause for failure of the wire rope bridge. My guess is that it was removed when the regular bridge was repaired. The same article shows a sketch that he made, showing the main span to be 407 feet. I am looking at the Canal History and Technology Proceedings Vol 5, March 22, 1986."

1818: Dryburgh Abbey

Dryburgh and St. Boswells, Scotland, United Kingdom - River Tweed
Bridgemeister ID:1440 (added 2004-07-31)
Year Completed:1818
Name:Dryburgh Abbey
Location:Dryburgh and St. Boswells, Scotland, United Kingdom
Crossing:River Tweed
References:AAJ, BEM, MOS
Use:Footbridge
Status:Collapsed, 1838
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 79.2 meters (260 feet)
Deck width:4.5 feet

Notes:

  • May have been rebuilt around 1850. History of the bridge is unclear between the 1838 collapse and replacement in 1872.
  • This 1818 bridge was a replacement for the 1817 Dryburgh Abbey suspension bridge which appears to have been primarily a cable-stayed structure and is not included in the inventory. The 1817 bridge failed due to wind in early 1818.
  • Later at same location 1872 Dryburgh Abbey - Dryburgh and St. Boswells, Scotland, United Kingdom.

External Links:

Print, collection of David Denenberg Newspaper article, collection of David Denenberg

1820: Union

Horncliffe, Berwick-upon-Tweed vicinity, England and Fishwick, Scotland, United Kingdom - River Tweed
Bridgemeister ID:373 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1820
Name:Union
Location:Horncliffe, Berwick-upon-Tweed vicinity, England and Fishwick, Scotland, United Kingdom
Crossing:River Tweed
Coordinates:55.75256 N 2.10677 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Sir Samuel Brown
References:AAJ, BBR, BC3, BEM, BOB, HBE, MOS, NTB, PTS2, SBR
Use:Vehicular (one-lane)
Status:In use (last checked: 2023)
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 136.9 meters (449 feet)
Deck width:18 feet

Notes:

External Links:

Newspaper article, collection of David Denenberg Photo by Dave Cooper Photo by David Denenberg Photo by Dave Cooper Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1820: Wills Creek

Cumberland, Maryland, USA - Wills Creek
Bridgemeister ID:1149 (added 2004-01-17)
Year Completed:1820
Name:Wills Creek
Location:Cumberland, Maryland, USA
Crossing:Wills Creek
Principals:Valentine Shockey
References:CAB
Status:Destroyed, 1838
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Main Span:1 x 46.2 meters (151.5 feet)

Notes:


1821: Trinity Pier

Trinity, Edinburgh vicinity, Scotland, United Kingdom - River Forth
Bridgemeister ID:374 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1821
Name:Trinity Pier
Also Known As:Newhaven Pier
Location:Trinity, Edinburgh vicinity, Scotland, United Kingdom
Crossing:River Forth
Principals:Sir Samuel Brown
References:AAJ, MOS, SBR
Use:Footbridge
Status:Destroyed, 1898
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Main Spans:3 x 63.7 meters (209 feet)
Deck width:4 feet

Notes:

  • SBR: Chain pier extending into 700 feet into the Forth, with three main spans each of 209 feet. Wrecked by storm, 1898.

External Links:


1822: (footbridge)

Annonay, Ardèche, France - Cance River
Bridgemeister ID:375 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1822
Name:(footbridge)
Location:Annonay, Ardèche, France
Crossing:Cance River
Principals:Marc Seguin, Camille Seguin, Jules Seguin, Paul Seguin, Charles Seguin
References:AAJ, BBR, GHD, LAB, TTSB
Use:Footbridge
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 18 meters (59.1 feet)

Notes:

External Links:


1822: Kalighat

Kolkata, West Bengal, India - Tolly's Nullah (Adi Ganga)
Bridgemeister ID:3552 (added 2019-12-26)
Year Completed:1822
Name:Kalighat
Also Known As:Khallee Ghat, Kalee Ghat
Location:Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Crossing:Tolly's Nullah (Adi Ganga)
Principals:Major John Augustus Schalch
References:ISB
Use:Footbridge
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

Notes:

  • Sometimes cited as completed in 1823.

1823: (suspension bridge)

Réunion, France - Sainte-Suzanne River
Bridgemeister ID:1541 (added 2004-11-03)
Year Completed:1823
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Réunion, France
Crossing:Sainte-Suzanne River
Principals:Marc Brunel
References:AAJ, ASB, CAB
Use:Vehicular (two-lane)
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:2
Main Spans:2 x 40.2 meters (131.75 feet)

Notes:

Print, collection of David Denenberg

1823: (suspension bridge)

Réunion, France - Mat River
Bridgemeister ID:1542 (added 2004-11-03)
Year Completed:1823
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Réunion, France
Crossing:Mat River
Principals:Marc Brunel
References:AAJ, ASB, CAB, MOS
Use:Vehicular (two-lane)
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 40.2 meters (131.75 feet)

Notes:

  • Réunion was known as "Isle of Bourbon" at this time.
  • MOS: "These bridges were designed by Mr. Brunel, and executed in England, near Sheffield, where they were put together in January, 1823, before being sent out to the Isle de Bourbon."
  • Built as part of same project as 1823 (suspension bridge) - Réunion, France.

1823: Brighton Pier

Brighton, East Sussex, England, United Kingdom
Bridgemeister ID:376 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1823
Name:Brighton Pier
Location:Brighton, East Sussex, England, United Kingdom
Principals:Sir Samuel Brown
References:AAJ, BEM, BOB, HBE, MOS, SBR
Use:Footbridge
Status:Destroyed, 1896
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:4
Main Spans:4 x 77.7 meters (255 feet)

Notes:

  • SBR: Severely damaged 1833, 1836. Destroyed by storm 1896.

External Links:

Print, collection of David Denenberg Print, collection of David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1823: Saint Antoine

Geneva, Switzerland
Bridgemeister ID:377 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1823
Name:Saint Antoine
Location:Geneva, Switzerland
Principals:Guillame Henri Dufour, Marc Seguin, Marc-Auguste Pictet
References:AAJ, GHD, HBE, LAB, MOS, PTS2
Status:Removed, c.1864
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:2
Main Spans:2 x 40 meters (131.2 feet)
Deck width:7.5 feet

External Links:


1824: Biery's

Biery's Port (Catasauqua), Pennsylvania, USA - Lehigh River
Bridgemeister ID:21 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1824
Name:Biery's
Location:Biery's Port (Catasauqua), Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Lehigh River
Principals:Jacob Blumer, George Deily (?)
References:CAB, DSE20000203
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

1824: Delessert

Passy, Paris, France
Bridgemeister ID:3250 (added 2019-11-16)
Year Completed:1824
Name:Delessert
Location:Passy, Paris, France
Principals:Benjamin Delessert
References:GHD
Status:Removed
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 52 meters (170.6 feet)

Notes:

  • GHD describes the interesting hybrid chain and cable suspension system of this bridge. GHD also notes the commonly available lithograph image of the Delessert bridge is factually inaccurate showing a cable system similar to the 1823 Saint Antoine bridge, not resembing the actual cable system of the Delessert bridge.

External Links:


1824: Galaure

Saint-Vallier, Drôme, France - Galaure River
Bridgemeister ID:1824 (added 2005-05-30)
Year Completed:1824
Name:Galaure
Location:Saint-Vallier, Drôme, France
Crossing:Galaure River
Principals:Seguin Brothers
References:GHD, MOS
Status:Collapsed, 1844
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 30 meters (98.4 feet)

Notes:

External Links:


1824: Kettensteg

Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany - Pegnitz River
Bridgemeister ID:1111 (added 2004-01-04)
Year Completed:1824
Name:Kettensteg
Also Known As:Chain
Location:Nuremberg, Bavaria, Germany
Crossing:Pegnitz River
Coordinates:49.45468 N 11.07076 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Konrad Georg Kuppler
References:PTS2
Use:Footbridge
Status:In use (last checked: 2023)
Main Cables:Eyebar (iron)
Suspended Spans:2
Main Spans:1 x 29.6 meters (97.1 feet),
1 x 27.9 meters (91.5 feet)

Notes:

  • Often claimed to be the oldest surviving suspension bridge in continental Europe.
  • 1909: Wooden towers are damaged by flood and eventually replaced with steel towers.
  • 1930: Bridge deck is stiffened and several intermediate piers are added to support the bridge.
  • 2010: Bridge is reconstructed retaining some original components and eliminating the need for the intermediate piers. The bridge is again functioning as a suspension bridge.

External Links:

Photo by Eckhard Bernstorff Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1824: Lehigh Gap

Lehigh Gap, Pennsylvania, USA - Lehigh River
Bridgemeister ID:22 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1824
Name:Lehigh Gap
Also Known As:Palmerton
Location:Lehigh Gap, Pennsylvania, USA
Crossing:Lehigh River
Principals:Jacob Blumer
References:AAJ, CAB, DSE20000203, WHSB
Use:Vehicular
Status:Replaced, 1933
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:3

Notes:

  • Finley patent bridge.

External Links:

Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1824: Panteleimonovsky

St. Petersburg, Russia - Fontanka River
Bridgemeister ID:3039 (added 2019-10-13)
Year Completed:1824
Name:Panteleimonovsky
Location:St. Petersburg, Russia
Crossing:Fontanka River
Coordinates:59.942160 N 30.338434 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Wilhelm von Traitteur
Use:Vehicular (two-lane), with walkway
Status:Replaced, 1914
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1

External Links:

Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1824: Pochtamptsky

St. Petersburg, Russia
Bridgemeister ID:972 (added 2003-11-13)
Year Completed:1824
Name:Pochtamptsky
Also Known As:Pochamsky, Post Office, Pochtamtskiy
Location:St. Petersburg, Russia
Coordinates:59.930532 N 30.300750 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Wilhelm von Traitteur
References:WIT
Use:Footbridge
Status:In use (last checked: 2019)
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1

External Links:


1824: Strážnice

Strážnice, Czechia - Velicka River
Bridgemeister ID:6183 (added 2021-07-09)
Year Completed:1824
Name:Strážnice
Also Known As:Straßnitz, Strassnitz
Location:Strážnice, Czechia
Crossing:Velicka River
At or Near Feature:Chateau Strážnice
Principals:Friedrich Schnirch
References:AAJ, PTS2
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 27.7 meters (90.9 feet)
Deck width:4.2 meters

Notes:

  • Remains of this very early suspension bridge are supposedly kept on the grounds of Chateau Strážnice

External Links:


1824: Wissekerke

Bazel, Belgium
Bridgemeister ID:1681 (added 2005-03-26)
Year Completed:1824
Name:Wissekerke
Location:Bazel, Belgium
At or Near Feature:Wissekerke Castle
Coordinates:51.145383 N 4.302667 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Jean-Baptiste Vifquain
References:IBB, ISFF
Status:Closed, 1990
Main Cables:Eyebar (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 23.11 meters (75.8 feet)
Deck width:1.9

External Links:

Photo by Robert M. Vogel

1825: Burceña

Barakaldo and Bilbao, Spain
Bridgemeister ID:5690 (added 2021-04-01)
Year Completed:1825
Name:Burceña
Location:Barakaldo and Bilbao, Spain
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed, c. 1870
Main Cables:Chain
Suspended Spans:1

Notes:

  • May have been completed earlier, in 1824.
  • 1835: Damaged during First Carlist War. Later rebuilt.
  • c. 1870: Bridge collapses due to fire damage.

External Links:


1825: Pâquis

Geneva, Switzerland
Bridgemeister ID:1825 (added 2005-05-30)
Year Completed:1825
Name:Pâquis
Location:Geneva, Switzerland
Principals:Guillame Henri Dufour
References:AAJ, GHD
Status:Demolished, early 1850's
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:2
Main Spans:2 x 41 meters (134.5 feet)

1825: Sophienbrücke

Vienna, Austria - Donaukanal
Bridgemeister ID:6181 (added 2021-07-09)
Year Completed:1825
Name:Sophienbrücke
Also Known As:Sophia, Sophien, Sophie, Rotundenbrücke, Rotunda
Location:Vienna, Austria
Crossing:Donaukanal
Coordinates:48.205983 N 16.397243 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
References:AAJ, PTS2
Use:Vehicular
Status:Replaced, 1872
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1

Notes:

  • The earliest of several chain suspension bridges built in Vienna in the 1820s and 1830s.

External Links:


1825: Tain-Tournon

Tournon-sur-Rhône, Ardèche and Tain, Drôme, France - Rhône River
Bridgemeister ID:378 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1825
Name:Tain-Tournon
Location:Tournon-sur-Rhône, Ardèche and Tain, Drôme, France
Crossing:Rhône River
Principals:Marc Seguin
References:AAJ, ASB, BBR, BPF, GHD, LAB, MOS, PTS2, TTSB
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed, 1965
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:2
Main Spans:2 x 85 meters (278.88 feet)
Deck width:13.75 feet

Notes:

External Links:

Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1826: (footbridge)

Milford, England, United Kingdom - River Derwent
Bridgemeister ID:5550 (added 2020-12-14)
Year Completed:1826
Name:(footbridge)
Location:Milford, England, United Kingdom
Crossing:River Derwent
Coordinates:53.000982 N 1.479285 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:William Strutt
Use:Footbridge
Status:Removed, 1946

1826: Bankovsky

St. Petersburg, Russia - Griboedov Canal
Bridgemeister ID:974 (added 2003-11-13)
Year Completed:1826
Name:Bankovsky
Also Known As:Bank
Location:St. Petersburg, Russia
Crossing:Griboedov Canal
Coordinates:59.932193 N 30.325009 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Wilhelm von Traitteur
References:WIT
Use:Footbridge
Status:In use (last checked: 2019)
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Deck width:1.85 meters

Notes:

  • Cable ends"swallowed" by four cast-iron decorative griffins.

External Links:

Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1826: Broughton

Lancashire, England, United Kingdom - River Irwell
Bridgemeister ID:379 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1826
Name:Broughton
Also Known As:Gerald Road
Location:Lancashire, England, United Kingdom
Crossing:River Irwell
References:AAJ, BOB, HBE, MOS, SBR
Use:Vehicular
Status:Replaced, 1914
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Main Span:1 x 44.3 meters (145.5 feet)
Deck width:18.25 feet

Notes:

  • Famously collapsed under weight of marching troops April 12, 1831. Was rebuilt and strengthened and eventually replaced in 1914.

1826: Conwy

Conwy, Wales, United Kingdom - River Conwy
Bridgemeister ID:380 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1826
Name:Conwy
Also Known As:Conway
Location:Conwy, Wales, United Kingdom
Crossing:River Conwy
Coordinates:53.280476 N 3.823742 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Thomas Telford
References:AAJ, BBR, BC3, BCO, BEM, HBE, MOS, NTB, PTS2
Use:Vehicular
Status:Restricted to foot traffic (last checked: 2021)
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 99.7 meters (327 feet)

Notes:

Annotated Citations:

  • "Conway Suspension Bridge." The Engineer, 20 May 1904.

    Details regarding the 1904 reinforcement project: "...It was therefore decided to renew all the suspension rods, and pins, and to fix steel cables above the suspension links, to supplement them so that the maximum stress in the links due to any possible travelling load should not exceed 5 tons per square inch. It was also decided to build a stiffening girder coupled to the suspension rod on each side of the bridge, and at the same time to widen the bridge by building a footway 6ft. wide outside the suspenders on the north side of the bridge."

External Links:

Photograph, collection of David Denenberg Photo by Dave Cooper Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1826: Egyptian

St. Petersburg, Russia - Fontanka River
Bridgemeister ID:622 (added 2003-01-20)
Year Completed:1826
Name:Egyptian
Also Known As:Египетский
Location:St. Petersburg, Russia
Crossing:Fontanka River
Coordinates:59.916930 N 30.297185 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
References:PTS2
Use:Vehicular
Status:Collapsed, 1905
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1

External Links:

Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1826: Gattonside

Melrose, Scotland, United Kingdom - River Tweed
Bridgemeister ID:381 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1826
Name:Gattonside
Also Known As:Melrose
Location:Melrose, Scotland, United Kingdom
Crossing:River Tweed
Coordinates:55.602830 N 2.723349 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Redpath and Brown
References:BC2, BSI, NTB
Use:Footbridge
Status:In use (last checked: 2014)
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 91.4 meters (300 feet)
Side Spans:2
Deck width:4 feet 4 inches

Notes:

  • Steel cables added, 1992.

External Links:

Postcard, collection of David Denenberg Photo by Dave Cooper Photo by David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1826: Invalides

Paris, France - Seine River
Bridgemeister ID:623 (added 2003-01-20)
Year Completed:1826
Name:Invalides
Location:Paris, France
Crossing:Seine River
Principals:Claude Navier
References:AAJ, MOS, PTS2
Use:Vehicular
Status:Demolished, 1826
Main Span:1 x 169.9 meters (557.5 feet)

Notes:

  • Failed when almost complete in 1826. MOS: "On the 6th of September, a water-pipe, which was laid in the ground on the side of the Champs Elysées, and came near the abutments on that side of the river, burst, and, softening the ground about the abutment, it gave way under the strain produced by the weight of the bridge."
  • Replaced by 1829 Invalides (l'Allee-d'Antin) - Paris, France.

External Links:


1826: Jarnac

Jarnac, Charente, France - Charente River
Bridgemeister ID:1729 (added 2005-04-06)
Year Completed:1826
Name:Jarnac
Location:Jarnac, Charente, France
Crossing:Charente River
Principals:J. P. Quénot
References:MOS
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 70 meters (229.7 feet)
Deck width:7.75 meters

Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1826: Kidderpore

Khidirpur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India - Tolly's Nullah (Adi Ganga)
Bridgemeister ID:3548 (added 2019-12-25)
Year Completed:1826
Name:Kidderpore
Also Known As:Kyderpoor
Location:Khidirpur, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Crossing:Tolly's Nullah (Adi Ganga)
Principals:Captain Hugh Baker
References:HJC, ISB
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 42.7 meters (140 feet)
Deck width:22 feet

1826: Lviny

St. Petersburg, Russia - Griboedov Canal
Bridgemeister ID:973 (added 2003-11-13)
Year Completed:1826
Name:Lviny
Also Known As:Lions
Location:St. Petersburg, Russia
Crossing:Griboedov Canal
Coordinates:59.926918 N 30.301404 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Wilhem von Traitteur
References:WIT
Use:Footbridge
Status:In use (last checked: 2019)
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 22.4 meters (73.5 feet)
Deck width:2.26 meters

Notes:

  • Cable ends "swallowed" by four cast-iron decorative lions at each end.

External Links:


1826: Menai Strait

Menai Bridge and Bangor vicinity, Wales, United Kingdom - Menai Strait
Bridgemeister ID:382 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1826
Name:Menai Strait
Location:Menai Bridge and Bangor vicinity, Wales, United Kingdom
Crossing:Menai Strait
Coordinates:53.221367 N 4.1646 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Thomas Telford
References:AAJ, BBR, BC3, BCO, BDU, BEM, BOU, HBE, MOS, NTB, PTS2
Use:Vehicular (two-lane), with walkway
Status:In use (last checked: 2022)
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 176.5 meters (579 feet)

Notes:

External Links:

Photo by David Denenberg Photo by Irene Crest Photo by Michael Levy Photo by Dave Cooper Postcard by Jochem Hollestelle

1826: Vermontois

Péruwelz, Belgium - Pommerœul-Antoing Canal
Bridgemeister ID:6629 (added 2021-09-07)
Year Completed:1826
Name:Vermontois
Location:Péruwelz, Belgium
Crossing:Pommerœul-Antoing Canal
Principals:Pierre Simons
References:IBB
Status:Replaced, 1866
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 36.7 meters (120.4 feet) estimated

Notes:

  • IBB: Replaced in 1866. Multiple figures exist for main span length: 36.4, 36.7, and 40 meters.
Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1826: Warden

Northumberland, England, United Kingdom - South Tyne River
Bridgemeister ID:383 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1826
Name:Warden
Also Known As:Hexham, West Boat
Location:Northumberland, England, United Kingdom
Crossing:South Tyne River
Coordinates:54.988277 N 2.141917 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Sir Samuel Brown
References:SBR
Use:Vehicular (one-lane)
Status:Replaced, 1903
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1

Notes:

  • SBR: Replaced, 1903.

External Links:

Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

Bridgemeister ID:384 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1826
Name:Welney
Location:Welney, England, United Kingdom
Crossing:Hundred Foot River
Principals:Sir Samuel Brown
References:SBR
Use:Vehicular
Status:Replaced, c. 1926
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

Notes:

  • Likely replaced 1926. SBR: Replaced "1926 or 1927". Design by Brown.
Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1827: (footbridge)

Denholm, Scotland, United Kingdom - River Teviot
Bridgemeister ID:1555 (added 2004-11-24)
Year Completed:1827
Name:(footbridge)
Location:Denholm, Scotland, United Kingdom
Crossing:River Teviot
Coordinates:55.460001 N 2.686394 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Footbridge
Status:Only towers remain, since 1875 (last checked: 2009)
Main Cables:Chain (iron)

Photo by Dave Cooper

1827: (suspension bridge)

Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA - Merrimack River
Bridgemeister ID:23 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1827
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Newburyport, Massachusetts, USA
Crossing:Merrimack River
Principals:Thomas Haven
References:AAJ, BPL, HBE, PTS2
Status:Replaced, 1840
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:5
Main Spans:3
Side Spans:2

Notes:

  • Multi-span structure distinct from Templeman's 1810 Chain Bridge. Sometimes misidentified as an 1827 replacement to the 1810 Templeman Chain Bridge because of the significant damage to the Templeman bridge in 1827.

External Links:

Print, collection of David Denenberg

1827: Andance

Andance, Ardèche and Andancette, Drôme, France - Rhône River
Bridgemeister ID:976 (added 2003-11-14)
Year Completed:1827
Name:Andance
Location:Andance, Ardèche and Andancette, Drôme, France
Crossing:Rhône River
Coordinates:45.242194 N 4.801638 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Marc Seguin
References:AAJ, ASB
Use:Vehicular (one-lane)
Status:In use (last checked: 2009)
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:2
Main Spans:2

Notes:

  • Destroyed August 30, 1944. Rebuilt 1946.

External Links:

Photo by David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1827: Hammersmith

London, England, United Kingdom - River Thames
Bridgemeister ID:386 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1827
Name:Hammersmith
Location:London, England, United Kingdom
Crossing:River Thames
Principals:William Tierney Clark
References:AAJ, BEM, BTH, HBE, MOS, NTB, ONF, PTS2
Use:Vehicular, with walkway
Status:Replaced
Main Cables:Chain
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 121.9 meters (400 feet)
Side Spans:2 x 44.8 meters (147 feet)

Notes:

External Links:

Print, collection of David Denenberg.

1827: Kettenbrücke

Žatec, Czechia - Ohre River
Bridgemeister ID:6182 (added 2021-07-09)
Year Completed:1827
Name:Kettenbrücke
Also Known As:Saaz
Location:Žatec, Czechia
Crossing:Ohre River
Principals:Friedrich Schnirch
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed, c. 1891
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 59.7 meters (195.9 feet)
Deck width:5.5 meters

Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1827: L'île Barbe

Lyon, Métropole de Lyon, France - Saône River
Bridgemeister ID:1535 (added 2004-10-31)
Year Completed:1827
Name:L'île Barbe
Location:Lyon, Métropole de Lyon, France
Crossing:Saône River
Coordinates:45.796883 N 4.83055 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Favier
References:AAJ, PQL, PTS2
Use:Vehicular (one-lane)
Status:In use (last checked: 2005)
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:2
Main Spans:2 x 102 meters (334.66 feet)

Notes:

External Links:

Photo by David Denenberg

1827: Malapane

Ozimek, Lower Silesia, Poland - Mała Panew
Bridgemeister ID:385 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1827
Name:Malapane
Also Known As:Malapana
Location:Ozimek, Lower Silesia, Poland
Crossing:Mała Panew
Coordinates:50.676403 N 18.212243 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
References:AAJ
Use:Vehicular (one-lane)
Status:Restricted to foot traffic (last checked: 2019)
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1

Notes:

  • The country of this bridge's location has changed several times. It is currently located in Poland where the river is known as "Mala Panew". AAJ records this bridge as serving the "Malapana mill" across the "Malapane River". "Malapane" is the German name for the Mała Panew river.

External Links:

Photo by Prof. Andreas Kahlow

1827: Tollygunge

Tollygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal, India - Tolly's Nullah (Adi Ganga)
Bridgemeister ID:3553 (added 2019-12-26)
Year Completed:1827
Name:Tollygunge
Also Known As:Tollygunj
Location:Tollygunge, Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Crossing:Tolly's Nullah (Adi Ganga)
Principals:Captain Hugh Baker
References:ISB
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 34 meters (111.5 feet)
Deck width:14 feet

1828: Arcole

Paris, France - Seine River
Bridgemeister ID:625 (added 2003-01-20)
Year Completed:1828
Name:Arcole
Also Known As:de la Grève
Location:Paris, France
Crossing:Seine River
Principals:Seguin Brothers
References:AAJ, MOS, PTS2
Status:Replaced, 1854
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:2
Main Spans:2 x 40.8 meters (133.86 feet)
Deck width:11.48 feet

External Links:


1828: Auvers

Auvers-sur-Oise and Méry-sur-Oise, Val-d'Oise, France - Oise River
Bridgemeister ID:1717 (added 2005-04-05)
Year Completed:1828
Name:Auvers
Location:Auvers-sur-Oise and Méry-sur-Oise, Val-d'Oise, France
Crossing:Oise River
Status:Failed, 1887

Notes:

  • Destroyed 1870. Rebuilt 1873.

External Links:


1828: Doux

St Jean de Muzols and Tournon-sur-Rhône, Ardèche, France - Doux River
Bridgemeister ID:1984 (added 2005-12-02)
Year Completed:1828
Name:Doux
Location:St Jean de Muzols and Tournon-sur-Rhône, Ardèche, France
Crossing:Doux River
Coordinates:45.074384 N 4.816741 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Status:Removed, 1857

Notes:

External Links:


1828: Guriah Hath

Kolkata, West Bengal, India - Tolly's Nulla (Adi Ganga)
Bridgemeister ID:3554 (added 2019-12-26)
Year Completed:1828
Name:Guriah Hath
Location:Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Crossing:Tolly's Nulla (Adi Ganga)
Principals:Captain Hugh Baker
References:ISB
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 34.7 meters (114 feet)
Deck width:14 feet

1828: Karlskettensteg

Vienna, Austria - Danube Canal
Bridgemeister ID:4594 (added 2020-06-06)
Year Completed:1828
Name:Karlskettensteg
Also Known As:Charles, Karls
Location:Vienna, Austria
Crossing:Danube Canal
Coordinates:48.214324 N 16.374969 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
References:AAJ, PTS2
Use:Vehicular
Status:Demolished, 1870
Main Cables:Eyebar (iron)
Suspended Spans:1

External Links:


1828: Sablons

Sablons, Isère and Serrières, Ardèche, France - Rhône River
Bridgemeister ID:890 (added 2003-09-06)
Year Completed:1828
Name:Sablons
Location:Sablons, Isère and Serrières, Ardèche, France
Crossing:Rhône River
Principals:Marc Seguin
References:AAJ, ASB
Use:Vehicular
Status:Replaced, 1933
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Main Spans:2 x 101 meters (331.38 feet)
Deck width:13.12 feet

Notes:

External Links:

Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1828: San Benedetto

Padua, Padua, Italy - Bacchiglione River
Bridgemeister ID:7940 (added 2023-10-29)
Year Completed:1828
Name:San Benedetto
Location:Padua, Padua, Italy
Crossing:Bacchiglione River
Coordinates:45.408364 N 11.868094 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Footbridge
Status:Replaced, 1881
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1

Notes:

Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1828: Sassenage

Sassenage and Grenoble, Isère, France - Drac River
Bridgemeister ID:1728 (added 2005-04-06)
Year Completed:1828
Name:Sassenage
Location:Sassenage and Grenoble, Isère, France
Crossing:Drac River
Use:Vehicular
Status:Replaced, 1938
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1

Postcard, collection of David Denenberg Postcard, collection of David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1828: South Stack

Holyhead, Wales, United Kingdom
Bridgemeister ID:1212 (added 2004-02-08)
Year Completed:1828
Name:South Stack
Location:Holyhead, Wales, United Kingdom
At or Near Feature:Goleudy Ynys Lawd (Ynys Lawd Lighthouse)
Coordinates:53.306972 N 4.696822 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Footbridge
Status:Only towers remain
Main Cables:Chain
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 37 meters (121.4 feet) estimated

Notes:

  • Provided access to the lighthouse at South Stack. Iron chain suspension system replaced in 1964, surviving until until 1983, but unclear if it was still functioning as a suspension bridge. Towers are now used as abutments for a pedestrian truss bridge.
Postcard, collection of David Denenberg. Postcard, collection of David Denenberg Stereoview, collection of David Denenberg

1829: Argentat

Argentat, Corrèze, France - Dordogne River
Bridgemeister ID:627 (added 2003-01-20)
Year Completed:1829
Name:Argentat
Also Known As:Marie
Location:Argentat, Corrèze, France
Crossing:Dordogne River
Principals:L. T. Vicat
References:AAJ, MOS, PTS2
Use:Vehicular, with walkway
Status:Replaced, 1903
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 100 meters (328 feet)

External Links:

Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1829: Beaucaire

Beaucaire, Gard and Tarascon, Bouches-du-Rhône, France - Rhône River
Bridgemeister ID:626 (added 2003-01-20)
Year Completed:1829
Name:Beaucaire
Location:Beaucaire, Gard and Tarascon, Bouches-du-Rhône, France
Crossing:Rhône River
Principals:Jules Seguin, Joseph Chaley
References:AAJ, ASB, GHD, PTS2
Use:Vehicular
Status:Destroyed, August 6, 1944
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:4
Main Spans:2 x 120 meters (393.72 feet)
Side Spans:2 x 93.6 meters (307.1 feet)

Notes:

  • 1887: Flooring failed.
  • 1944: Bombed by Allied Forces, August 6.

External Links:

Postcard, collection of David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1829: Chain

Kemeys Commander, Wales, United Kingdom - River Usk
Bridgemeister ID:7961 (added 2023-11-22)
Year Completed:1829
Name:Chain
Location:Kemeys Commander, Wales, United Kingdom
Crossing:River Usk
Coordinates:51.745000 N 2.948227 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Vehicular
Status:Replaced, 1906
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1

Notes:

  • 1906: Replaced by a non-suspension bridge still referred to as "Chainbridge".
Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1829: Chazey

Chazey-sur-Ain, Ain, France - Ain River
Bridgemeister ID:3217 (added 2019-11-11)
Year Completed:1829
Name:Chazey
Location:Chazey-sur-Ain, Ain, France
Crossing:Ain River
Principals:Joseph Chaley, Jules Seguin, Marc Seguin
Use:Vehicular
Status:Destroyed, December, 1944
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 125 meters (410.1 feet)

External Links:

Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1829: Invalides

Paris, France - Seine River
Bridgemeister ID:633 (added 2003-01-20)
Year Completed:1829
Name:Invalides
Also Known As:l'Allee-d'Antin
Location:Paris, France
Crossing:Seine River
Principals:Marie Fortuné de Vergès, Ferdinand Bayard de la Vingtrie
References:AAJ, MOS, PTS2
Use:Vehicular, with walkway
Status:Replaced, 1855
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Main Span:1 x 72.1 meters (236.5 feet)
Deck width:25.6 feet

Notes:

External Links:


1829: Kettenbrücke

Bamberg, Germany - Regnitz River
Bridgemeister ID:632 (added 2003-01-20)
Year Completed:1829
Name:Kettenbrücke
Also Known As:Ludwigsbrücke, Chain
Location:Bamberg, Germany
Crossing:Regnitz River
Coordinates:49.896400 N 10.891386 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
References:AAJ, PTS2
Status:Replaced, c. 1892
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Main Span:1 x 64.26 meters (210.8 feet)

1829: Middleham

Middleham and Leyburn, England, United Kingdom - River Ure
Bridgemeister ID:387 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1829
Name:Middleham
Location:Middleham and Leyburn, England, United Kingdom
Crossing:River Ure
Coordinates:54.294316 N 1.818643 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Edward Welch, Joseph Hansom
References:NTB
Use:Vehicular
Status:Only towers remain (last checked: 2023)
Suspended Spans:1

Notes:

  • 1830: Said to have collapsed under weight of cattle in 1830. At some point it was rebuilt as a non-suspension bridge with the original suspension bridge towers intact. The current (in the 2020s and for many years before) main span is steel plate girder.
Postcards, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1829: Montrose

Montrose, Scotland, United Kingdom - South Esk River
Bridgemeister ID:388 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1829
Name:Montrose
Location:Montrose, Scotland, United Kingdom
Crossing:South Esk River
Coordinates:56.705802 N 2.475390 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Sir Samuel Brown
References:AAJ, BEM, BOB, HBE, PTS2, SBR
Use:Vehicular
Status:Demolished, 1929
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1

Notes:

  • SBR: March 19, 1830, with a "crowd of people, estimated at 700, ... watching a boat race," a chain broke "plunging most of the people into the river." Repaired.
  • 1838: Wrecked by storm. Repaired.
Postcard, collection of David Denenberg Print, collection of David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1829: Palais de Justice

Lyon, Métropole de Lyon, France - Saône River
Bridgemeister ID:546 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1829
Name:Palais de Justice
Location:Lyon, Métropole de Lyon, France
Crossing:Saône River
Principals:Seguin Brothers
References:PQL
Use:Vehicular
Status:Replaced, 1972
Main Cables:Wire (iron)

Notes:

  • Damaged by flood, 1840. Rebuilt. Bombed, 1944. Repaired, 1945. Location now occupied by a cable-stayed footbridge, completed 1986.

External Links:

Photograph, collection of David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1829: Port-Sainte-Foy

Port-Sainte-Foy-et-Ponchapt, Dordogne and Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, Gironde, France - Dordogne River
Bridgemeister ID:7351 (added 2022-10-22)
Year Completed:1829
Name:Port-Sainte-Foy
Location:Port-Sainte-Foy-et-Ponchapt, Dordogne and Sainte-Foy-la-Grande, Gironde, France
Crossing:Dordogne River
Coordinates:44.842132 N 0.211552 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Use:Vehicular (one-lane)
Status:Replaced
Main Cables:Wire
Suspended Spans:2
Main Spans:2

Notes:

External Links:

Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1829: Thoirette

Thoirette, Jura and Ain, France - Ain River
Bridgemeister ID:7574 (added 2023-04-21)
Year Completed:1829
Name:Thoirette
Location:Thoirette, Jura and Ain, France
Crossing:Ain River
Coordinates:46.268283 N 5.536277 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
References:AGP
Status:Replaced
Suspended Spans:1

Notes:

External Links:


1829: Vienne

Vienne, Isère and Sainte-Colombe, Rhône, France - Rhône River
Bridgemeister ID:977 (added 2003-11-15)
Year Completed:1829
Name:Vienne
Location:Vienne, Isère and Sainte-Colombe, Rhône, France
Crossing:Rhône River
Coordinates:45.524867 N 4.87035 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Marc Seguin
References:AAJ, ASB
Use:Vehicular (one-lane)
Status:Restricted to foot traffic (last checked: 2005)
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:2
Main Spans:2

Notes:

  • Damaged by flood in 1840. Rebuilt.

External Links:

Photo by David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1830: (suspension bridge)

Nassau, Germany - Lahn River
Bridgemeister ID:1667 (added 2005-03-20)
Year Completed:1830
Name:(suspension bridge)
Location:Nassau, Germany
Crossing:Lahn River
Coordinates:50.311559 N 7.796206 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Lossen and Wolf
References:AAJ
Use:Vehicular
Status:Replaced, 1926
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Span:1 x 74.8 meters (245.56 feet)
Side Spans:2 x 11.9 meters (38.88 feet)

Notes:

External Links:

Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1830: Barrackpore

Kolkata, West Bengal, India - Circular Canal
Bridgemeister ID:3560 (added 2019-12-26)
Year Completed:1830
Name:Barrackpore
Also Known As:Barrackpoor, Shambazar
Location:Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Crossing:Circular Canal
Principals:James Prinsep, Captain Hugh Baker
References:ISB
Use:Vehicular (three-lane)
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 30.5 meters (100 feet)
Deck width:30 feet

Notes:

  • ISB describes its location: "...is situated half a mile from the mouth of the Circular Canal on the great road to Barrackpoor."

1830: Beose

Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India
Bridgemeister ID:3282 (added 2019-11-23)
Year Completed:1830
Name:Beose
Also Known As:Presgrave's
Location:Sagar, Madhya Pradesh, India
Principals:Duncan Presgrave
References:AAJ, ISB
Use:Vehicular
Main Cables:Eyebar (iron)
Main Span:1 x 61 meters (200 feet)

Notes:

  • Described as crossing the "Beose River" but the only references to a river by that name come from contemporary descriptions of this bridge.

1830: Boharm

Boat o' Brig, Fochabers, Scotland, United Kingdom - River Spey
Bridgemeister ID:4844 (added 2020-07-11)
Year Completed:1830
Name:Boharm
Also Known As:Boat of Bridge, Boat o' Brig, New, Delfur
Location:Boat o' Brig, Fochabers, Scotland, United Kingdom
Crossing:River Spey
Coordinates:57.550528 N 3.140743 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Sir Samuel Brown
Use:Vehicular (one-lane)
Status:Replaced, 1956
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1

Notes:

  • Completed 1830 or 1832.
Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1830: Boitakhana

Kolkata, West Bengal, India - Circular Canal
Bridgemeister ID:3565 (added 2019-12-26)
Year Completed:1830
Name:Boitakhana
Also Known As:Baliaghata
Location:Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Crossing:Circular Canal
Principals:James Prinsep
References:ISB
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 30.5 meters (100 feet)
Deck width:18 feet

Notes:

  • ISB describes its location: "is the last or most southerly [of the chain suspension bridges] on the Circular Canal, being distant 3-1/2 miles from its mouth and a quarter of a mile from its junction with the Baliaghata and Circular Canals. It forms the principal line of communication between Calcutta (by the Lall-Bazar, Bow-Bazar and Boitakhana Streets,) Sealda, Soora and Baliaghata."

1830: Bourg-Saint-Andéol

Bourg-Saint-Andéol, Ardèche, France - Rhône River
Bridgemeister ID:1719 (added 2005-04-05)
Year Completed:1830
Name:Bourg-Saint-Andéol
Location:Bourg-Saint-Andéol, Ardèche, France
Crossing:Rhône River
References:AAJ
Use:Vehicular
Status:Replaced, 1971
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:3
Main Spans:1 x 88.9 meters (291.7 feet),
1 x 85.7 meters (281.2 feet),
1 x 87 meters (285.4 feet)

Notes:

External Links:

Postcard, collection of David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1830: Feurs

Feurs, Loire, France - Loire River
Bridgemeister ID:1543 (added 2004-11-03)
Year Completed:1830
Name:Feurs
Location:Feurs, Loire, France
Crossing:Loire River
Principals:Jules Seguin
References:GHD
Use:Vehicular
Status:Demolished, 1925
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:2

Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1830: Fourques

Fourques, Gard and Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France - Petit Rhône River
Bridgemeister ID:1040 (added 2003-12-06)
Year Completed:1830
Name:Fourques
Location:Fourques, Gard and Arles, Bouches-du-Rhône, France
Crossing:Petit Rhône River
Coordinates:43.688722 N 4.613472 E
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:Seguin Brothers
References:BPF
Use:Vehicular (one-lane)
Status:In use (last checked: 2020)
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:2
Main Spans:2

External Links:

Photo by David Denenberg Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1830: Grosvenor

Bath, England, United Kingdom - River Avon
Bridgemeister ID:389 (added before 2003)
Year Completed:1830
Name:Grosvenor
Location:Bath, England, United Kingdom
Crossing:River Avon
Coordinates:51.393597 N 2.342445 W
Maps:Acme, GeoHack, Google, OpenStreetMap
Principals:T. Shaw
References:AAJ, MOS, SBR
Use:Footbridge
Status:Replaced, 1929
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 36 meters (118 feet)

Notes:

  • Suspension bridge abutments retained for 1929 non-suspension bridge replacement.
Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1830: Guîtres

Guîtres, Gironde, France - Isle River
Bridgemeister ID:2072 (added 2006-06-07)
Year Completed:1830
Name:Guîtres
Location:Guîtres, Gironde, France
Crossing:Isle River
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Wire (iron)
Suspended Spans:2
Main Spans:2

External Links:

Postcard, collection of Jochem Hollestelle

1830: Maniktola

Kolkata, West Bengal, India - Circular Canal
Bridgemeister ID:3563 (added 2019-12-26)
Year Completed:1830
Name:Maniktola
Location:Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Crossing:Circular Canal
Principals:Captain Thomas Prinsep
References:ISB
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 30.5 meters (100 feet)
Deck width:18 feet

Notes:

  • ISB describes its location: "is situated 2-1/4 miles from the mouth of the Circular Canal, and is three quarters of a mile due east of the new Church in Cornwallis Square."

1830: Narkooldunga

Kolkata, West Bengal, India - Circular Canal
Bridgemeister ID:3564 (added 2019-12-26)
Year Completed:1830
Name:Narkooldunga
Location:Kolkata, West Bengal, India
Crossing:Circular Canal
Principals:Captain Thomas Prinsep
Use:Vehicular
Status:Removed
Main Cables:Chain (iron)
Suspended Spans:1
Main Span:1 x 30.5 meters (100 feet)
Deck width:18 feet

Notes:

  • ISB describes its location: "situated 2-3/4 miles from the mouth of the Circular Canal, and forming a most useful line of communication due eastward from the New Mint and the Raja or Burdwan's Bazar, by Cotton Street and Muchooa Bazar Street, in a direct line by Raja Ramlochun's Road toward the western shores of the Saltwater lake."


Do you have any information or photos for these bridges that you would like to share? Please email david.denenberg@bridgemeister.com.


Mail | Facebook | Twitter