ByPassed Bridge 4 Traditional Cache
Hidden : 3/8/2014
Difficulty:
1.5 out of 5
Terrain:
1.5 out of 5

Size: Size: small (small)

Join now to view geocache location details. It's free!

Watch

How Geocaching Works
Looking for a different adventure?

Please note Use of geocaching.com services is subject to the terms and conditions in our disclaimer.

Geocache Description:


A quick Cache and Dash by a recently placed structure.

Parking can be found by the Cache.

Watch out for the GeoKids as the cache is close to the busy main road.

Writing tool required, please replace as found.


The original viaduct was designed by Brunel and opened in 1852, it was of typical design for one of Brunel's many viaducts, especially those on the coastal parts of the SWR, with timber construction and a small opening span to permit river traffic. It was 750 ft long with a 40 ft opening swing bridge at the Swansea end. The seventeen fixed spans were of similar size. When first constructed, it was supported on timber piles driven 14 feet into the sand and clay bed of the river. These piles were arranged in groups of three, across the width of the viaduct. Above this was a timber deck and a double track railway, laid on timber baulks. These tracks were both laid as mixed-gauge track, both broad gauge for the SWR and standard gauge for the Llanelly Railway.
It was rebuilt in 1880 and again in 1909. Further extensive refurbishment was carried out between 1979 and 1981, this has been described as 'sympathetic' to the original bridge, retaining a large proportion of the original timber. Loughor remained as the only Brunel viaduct still using timber as a substantial proportion of its structure.
With the re-doubling of railway tracks between Cockett West Junction and Duffryn West Junction, Network Rail replaced the viaduct with a new modern railway bridge. The old grade two listed structure was unable to take the weight of two trains at once. Work started on the new bridge in 2011 and was completed in 2013.

Additional Hints (No hints available.)



Advertising with Us