Royal Albert Bridge (5) - 2 February 2018

The Royal Albert Bridge, completed in 1859, is one of the great sights of south west England and one of the great engineering feats of the 19th century. Carrying trains to and from Plymouth across the River Tamar, it is best seen from Saltash, especially its station (as here). A reproduction of one of the contract drawings is displayed on the down side platform. Isambard Kingdom Brunel was too ill to attend the opening of the bridge by Prince Albert on 2 May 1959 and died later that year. The words 'I.K.Brunel Engineer 1859' appear above both portals having been added after his death.

The 19th century engineering masterpiece stands alongside the Tamar Bridge, completed more than 100 years later in 1961. I wonder if the newer structure will achieve the longevity of its neighbour?

200_3_P1040292R