Alloa Swing Bridge, Railroad swing bridge in Clackmannanshire, Scotland
Description
The Alloa Swing Bridge is a railroad swing bridge spanning the River Forth between Alloa and Throsk in Scotland. The structure featured a rotating central section powered by a steam engine that opened passages for river traffic to pass through.
History
The bridge opened in 1885 after parliamentary approval and served as a key railway connection across the river. Rail operations ended in 1968 when the line was closed and the bridge ceased its function.
Culture
The bridge represents an engineering milestone in Scottish transportation infrastructure, designed by Glasgow-based civil engineers Crouch and Hogg with local contractors.
Practical
The bridge is no longer operational and has deteriorated significantly since ceasing rail use decades ago. The best views are available from the river banks and nearby paths that run along the Forth, allowing visitors to appreciate the remaining structure.
Did you know?
The original stone piers were replaced with cast iron versions following multiple ship collisions, including an incident with HMS Mallard during a 1920s storm. These changes reveal how vulnerable the bridge was to vessels that misjudged the tight passages in the rotating section.
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