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Connel Bridge is a cantilever bridge that spans Loch Etive at Connel in Scotland. The bridge takes the A828 road across the narrowest part of the loch, at the Falls of Lora. It is a category B listed structure.
Originally, the bridge carried just the railway (a single track). In 1909, however, an additional train service started running between Connel Ferry station and on which road vehicles could be transported over the bridge. A single car was carried on a wagon hauled by a charabanc that had been adapted to run on rails at St. Rollox railway works in Glasgow. This service also called at North Connel station at the north end of the bridge.
In 1914, a roadway was added to the bridge, alongside the railway line. The road occupied the western side of the bridge, with the railway running parallel immediately to the east. Due to the close proximity of road and railway, road traffic and trains were not permitted on the bridge at the same time and the bridge was effectively operated as an extended level crossing with gates. The road crossed to the opposite side of the railway at the north end of the bridge. A Toll bridge was payable by road users.
After the branch line closed in 1966, the bridge was converted for the exclusive use of road vehicles and pedestrians, and the toll was removed. Despite the railway track having been removed, the roadway is not wide enough for two vehicles to cross each other. Traffic lights are installed at each end of the bridge to enforce one-way traffic.
The approach viaducts on each side of the bridge both comprise three masonry . The height limit for vehicles using the bridge is , and taller vehicles have caused damage to the bridge.
Filming
Connel Bridge appears in the 1981 film Eye of the Needle, starring Donald Sutherland. 'Scotland the Movie' website In the film, Sutherland's character is seen riding a stolen motorcycle across the bridge, which he then disposes of by pushing it down the embankment at the north end of the bridge after it runs out of fuel.
External links
Categories: Cantilever Bridges In The United Kingdom, Railway Bridges In Scotland, Bridges Completed In 1903, Category B Listed Buildings In Argyll And Bute, Listed Bridges In Scotland, Road Bridges In Scotland, Former Toll Bridges In Scotland, Bridges In Argyll And Bute, 1903 Establishments In Scotland
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