Highlights of the Landmark Liverpool and Manchester Railway and River/Canal Crossings

摘要

The Liverpool and Manchester Railway was dedicated 14 September 2016 at the Rainhill Library as an International Historic Civil and Mechanical Engineering Landmark by ASCE, ASME, ICE, and IMechE. Highlights of the railway plaque dedication and unique railway innovations will be featured. The plaque states: "Opened on 16 September 1830, this railway proved to be one of the most significant developments in transportation history. It was the first public railway for the scheduled transportation of passengers and freight between remote cities. A team led by George Stephenson (1781-1848) designed the 35-mile, double-tracked line. Overcoming numerous engineering challenges, including Olive Mount, the Sankey Valley and Chat Moss, the railway established the historic reputations of many engineers assigned to its various sections. The first ever locomotive trials at Rainhill during 6-14 October 1829 had five entries. Rocket, designed and built by Robert Stephenson (1803-1859) and Henry Booth, outperformed the others and proved that locomotive propulsion was practical. Still operating on its original alignment with many original structures, this railway established the basic format for almost all subsequent railways and rolling stock world-wide." The largest water crossing required the design and construction of the nine-arch Sankey Viaduct. Near Manchester, the River Irwell Bridge was completed in August of 1830. A canal crossing required the Bridgewater Canal Bridge. Much peat moss bog at Chat Moss required special timber footings and embankment fill and drainage.