Deck Hangers and Connectors

2004/003

Deck hangers and connectors (2 No) from the South Portland Street Suspension Footbridge, Glasgow

1926

SKU: 2004/003 Categories: , ,

Description

Deck hangers and connectors (2 No) from the South Portland Street Suspension Footbridge Glasgow erected 1851-53. The hanger is made in steel dating from 1926.

The South Portland Street Suspension Footbridge was built between 1851-53 (opened 18th May 1853) to replace Robert Stevenson’s temporary accommodation 14-span timber bridge which had been erected during nearby Broomielaw Bridge building in 1832 (or 1833-1835). Construction cost of this wrought iron suspension bridge was £13,000 and it was the first of its kind in the city. It is arguably Glasgow’s most elegant bridge, with Greek style triumphal arches designed by architect Alexander Kirkland with George Martin as engineer. It has a span of 126 m. The dip of its four, eye-bar link, chains is about 8 m. In 1870-71 the bridge was repaired by engineers Bell & Miller at a cost of £6,836. Works included altered ironwork, lowered main chains / deck by 7 ft & added lattice girders to side rails. In 1926 further repairs were undertaken by Sir William Arrol & Co to deck and siderails at a cost of £4,400 (including renewed girderwork, suspenders and floor). This item relates to this refurbishment.

In 1996 a partial replacement of deck hangers was undertaken. In 2004 further repairs were carried out to replace remaining deck hangers, strengthen the main chains at anchorage points, repair timber decking repaired, re-asphalt the deck surface (including anti-skid surfacing).

Additional information

Acquisition Number

2004/003

Item Type

Short Description

Deck hangers and connectors from the South Portland Street Suspension Footbridge, Glasgow

Manufactured by

Date of Manufacture

1926

Sub-items

None

Supporting Items

Drawings (electronic versions)

Makers Number

None

Marks

None

Dimensions (mm)

Length: 5 m

Donor

Date Donated

July 2004

Materials

Iron

Condition

Good (some rust present)

Display Location