Description:
Temporary Bailey Bridge in use whilst Dunham Toll Bridge (seen in photos NTGM019670-76) waiting to be demolished. Looking east from approach to Bailey Bridge; watermains bridge visible to right also. The original bridge opened in 1830 and was closed to traffic on Monday 14th November 1977 at 11:00. A public notice re: this closure can be seen in the Evening Post of 10th November on page 12, column 9.
The approach to the Bailey Bridge is on rubble brought from various demolition sites and it has no weight limit (the old bridge was limited to 12 tons), but is limited in width of eight feet to vehicles as the ten feet width gives two feet of the south side marked only by a painted white line - for the passage of pedestrians, cyclists and motor-cyclists. The width-limit signs are displayed at the toll-collectors' barriers either side of the bridge; also on the A57 at its junction with the last alternative route on either side of the bridge. Traffic is controlled to one direction at a time by traffic lights at the toll barriers. In the background is the residence of Mr. Lobley, manager (Reg Baker).
Bridge has since been re-built and widened and is still a toll bridge.