The Cast-Iron Bridge at Sunderland

摘要

Sunderland Bridge, when built, was the longest iron arch in the world. Discussions about building it with stone had been held in the 1780s but the idea of an iron structure took hold in 1791 and as such it was finally opened in 1796. Severe deterioration soon occurred and only drastic action in 1805 saved it from collapse. Thereafter it survived until 1853 when it was largely rebuilt although the main ribs remained in situ. Total replacement took place in the 1920s, the present bridge being opened in 1929.