Craigellachie Bridge, Cast iron arch bridge in Moray, Scotland.
Craigellachie Bridge is a cast iron arch structure spanning the River Spey in Moray with four lattice ribs built between 1812 and 1814. The design merges practical engineering with decorative elements, representing the early approach to iron bridge building.
Thomas Telford designed this pioneering cast iron structure as the first portable lattice-braced standard bridge type in Britain during the early 1810s. The bridge underwent renovation in 1964, after which vehicle traffic was redirected to a newer crossing in 1972, leaving this one for pedestrian and bicycle use.
The bridge displays decorative medieval-style features such as towers with arrow slits and small battlements that connect it to Scottish building traditions. These details give the crossing a distinct local character that visitors notice when walking across.
The crossing is now open only to pedestrians and cyclists, providing safe passage over the river. The nearby modern road bridge carries vehicle traffic, making this historic structure a quieter alternative for foot travelers.
The cast iron components display exceptional tensile strength, demonstrating Telford's sophisticated understanding of metallurgy and structural mechanics. This technical sophistication was remarkably advanced for an early 19th-century bridge.
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