Cardiff Bridge

18th century view of Cardiff with Cardiff Bridge in the left foreground

Cardiff Bridge (also known locally as Canton Bridge) is the road bridge crossing the River Taff at the approximate site of the original river crossing, close to Cardiff Castle in the centre of Cardiff, Wales.

Early history

A bridge link crossing the Taff at Cardiff has existed since Roman times,[1] though a safer river crossing beyond the tidal range was preferred at Llandaff, to the north.[2] In 1582 the timber bridge was replaced by one built of stone,[3] to the north of the current bridge and connecting to the town's Westgate. It was continually damaged by flooding and rebuilt in 1649, 1671 and 1720.[2] When the Westgate was demolished in 1781 it was decided to relocate and rebuild the bridge. A narrow replacement was completed in 1796 (footpaths were later added supported by corbels).[1] In 1827 another huge flood swept away the bridge and traffic reverted to using the crossing at Llandaff.[2]

In 1859 a new stone bridge was built, incorporating parts of the earlier structure and with iron lattice railings. It was widened in 1877.[1]

20th century

Cardiff Bridge viewed from the new Millennium Walkway

In 1930/1 the bridge was almost completed replaced with the currently existing bridge. This has broad arches made from reinforced concrete supported on stone pillars with a rusticated finish.[1] Above each pier was a cenotaph-style obelisk holding a bronze torch.[2]

The bridge was Grade II listed in 2002, being a good and original pre-World War II reinforced concrete bridge.[1]

21st century

In 2014 segregated cycle paths in each direction were constructed, separating cyclists from pedestrians and motor vehicles.[4]

See also

References

  1. 1 2 3 4 5 "Cardiff Bridge, Castle". British Listed Buildings. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  2. 1 2 3 4 Mortimer, Dic (2014), "6 - Canton (including Pontcanna", Cardiff: The Biography (eBook), Amberley Publishing, p. 170, ISBN 978-1-4456-4251-2, retrieved 14 December 2014
  3. ↑ "Cardiff Timeline". Cardiffians.co.uk. Retrieved 14 December 2014.
  4. ↑ Law, Peter (24 July 2013). "Cardiff motorists warned to expect delays as £150,000 scheme to create cycle lanes on bridge is agreed by council". Wales Online. Retrieved 19 December 2014.

Coordinates: 51°28′52″N 3°11′09″W / 51.4810°N 3.1858°W / 51.4810; -3.1858

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