Cound Arbour Bridge
Built by Telford in 1797, it is the oldest iron bridge in the world still in use. It is listed Grade II*
Period of construction:
1750 - 1799
Transport Trust plaque:
Cound, Shrewsbury, SY5 6BA
The bridge consists of a cast iron structure, supporting a 150mm thick concrete deck slab that has been added at a later stage, so therefore does not act integrally with the iron, and acts only as a dead load.
The face arch of the cast iron structure consists of three ribs, 200mm in depth and 40mm in thickness, which are bolted together at the apex of the bridge. These ribs include a top horizontal one, and two smaller arches of different radii.
Also at the apex is a plaque, which has "Cast at Coalbrookdale 1797" indented in it, indicating where the iron has come from and the year in which it was cast. Between the top horizontal rib and inner arch is iron plating of 20mm thickness.
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Open at all times
How To Find:
By road: Off the A458 in the direction of Cound.
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