Post by Administrator on Sept 12, 2021 13:23:10 GMT
VIA: The History of Wales
The Newport Transporter Bridge was opened on September 12th, 1906. It is one of only six such bridges in the world still operating. A transporter bridge is in effect, a suspended ferry operated by a high-level boom, which is suspended from towers at each end.
By 1900, Newport's industry had expanded on the east side of the river Usk, but the population was largely based on the west side. The transporter bridge was seen as the most economical way of carrying the workforce, to their place of work, as a conventional ferry had proved not to be practical, due to the extreme tides and a conventional bridge would have needed a long approach ramp in order to gain enough height to allow tall ships to pass under.
The Newport Transporter Bridge was opened on September 12th, 1906. It is one of only six such bridges in the world still operating. A transporter bridge is in effect, a suspended ferry operated by a high-level boom, which is suspended from towers at each end.
By 1900, Newport's industry had expanded on the east side of the river Usk, but the population was largely based on the west side. The transporter bridge was seen as the most economical way of carrying the workforce, to their place of work, as a conventional ferry had proved not to be practical, due to the extreme tides and a conventional bridge would have needed a long approach ramp in order to gain enough height to allow tall ships to pass under.