Roe Bridge (Railway)

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

The present bridge consists of single permanent way carried on long rectangular concrete piers (15m) carrying between them 4 large precast concrete T-beams on which the ballasted track is laid direct. There is a concrete parapet on each side. It’s length is 335 feet plus 130 feet of approaches. Each pier is formed on 10 piles. The surface of the piers is well finished with broad marked formwork. . The bridge is located almost where the river Roe enters Lough Foyle and is approached from the south by an embankment while the ground on the northern bank is higher without embankment. The bridge presents a practical solution in a utilitarian manner.

Some of the beams on the lough side show signs of erosion with reinforcement exposed.

Historical information

The method of construction was introduced by the railway company’s engineer W K Wallace but was constructed under the supervision of his successor Cain who had persuaded the Company to purchase a 36 ton steam crane which enabled the heavy T-beams to be lifted into position. A similar but shorter bridge was first constructed over the river Faughan. The Roe bridge was completed in 1938 “carried out expeditiously - credit to the N C C’s civil engineering department”.

The old bridge over the Roe and Faughan consisted of lattice girders on timber piling with wooden decks. Goods traffic commenced on the Limavady to Coleraine line on 25 September 1852 and passenger traffic began 2 days later.

References: Currie J R L The Northern Counties Railway Vols 1 & 2

IHR: 1339:32

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Pre-second World War precast/pre-stressed concrete railway bridge in trabeated construction supported on piers on piles across the River Roe.