Testing

The Board of Trade Inspection of the Irwell Viaduct over the developing Manchester Ship Canal. There are 10 locomotives of the Midland Railway and Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway standing on the bridge, giving a total of 750 tons. The date is said to be 1893, but I wonder if it might be a bit earlier. The site of Irlam Locks is in the distance and the old railway bridge just after the viaduct that will replace it. The River Mersey is running in on the right side of the image. The viaduct is still in use today but has been completely rebuilt with new steelwork and extra support pillars for the outside spans.