Newport's Transporter Bridge
Photographs showing stages of construction
We have scanned very old copies of the original photos and believe these to be out of copyright restrictions.
However, if
you have reason to object to their display here please contact via the link at the foot of this page.
Men at work on the foundations. The building at the top being the airlock which the men had to go through before they could go down the iron pipe to dig the well deeper into the river bed.
West bank foundations and piers finished. The cast iron shoes are in position ready for the work on the towers to be started.
Eastern anchorage September 1903.
Masonary work on the Eastern anchorage in progress.
Eastern anchorage – a workman is standing in the opening where the anchorage cable will be secured.
Western tower April 16th 1904
West Tower steelwork being started, with the electrically driven crane in the centre of the tower.
Eastern Tower in the process of being constructed, wooden beams were put between the columns to keep them in position until the platform and basing were in position at the top of the tower.
Tower near completion with wooden bracing still in position, the electrically driven crane now at the top of the tower. A lift can be seen traversing the right column.
Eastern anchorage finished and work being carried on with the suspension cables. The lack of safety being demonstrated by the man standing on the basket and being hauled to the top of the bridge.
The two towers completed and suspension cables just visible . Note the height of the masts of the ship being towed up river by a steam tug, demonstrating the need for a special bridge.
Suspension cables in place, upper steelwork being erected. A section is being hoisted from the barge below by cables pulled from the right hand bank (East bank).
August 3rd 1905. The bridge is nearing completion. Can you spot what still needs to be done?
A steam tug is pulling a ship down river. The cattle grazing on the East bank.