Footbridge over Ballinderry River

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

An early 20th century reinforced concrete footbridge built over the Ballinderry River spanning between counties Londonderry and Tyrone.

It stands in a rural area in the midst of low lying farmland, set well back from public roads, along pedestrian paths, at a distance of about one mile from Lough Neagh.

It spans approximately east-west, and consists of five spans including three intermediate spans of fifty feet each carried on pairs of intermediate piers of square section on cylindrical bases, sloping to mass concrete abutments. Each span comprises two girders and a cross girder over each pier and abutment. The handrailing to each side is constructed of three rows of iron tubing supported by concrete pillars and iron T-bars.

SETTING: The river flows under only the three easternmost spans in normal conditions. The banks are grassed and there are mature trees adjacent to the western end. Wooden fencing and stiles adjoin each end of the bridge.

Historical information

Built in 1924 for the Londonderry and Tyrone County Councils to the designs of the respective county engineers, J.A. Moore and J.W. Leebody, using the Hennebique system of reinforced concrete, the structural details being prepared by Messrs L.G. Mouchel & Partners Ltd. It was among the earliest reinforced concrete bridges in Northern Ireland and the only one, in its time, which was for pedestrian rather than vehicular traffice. It replaced a ford and a ferry, both of which are shown on the 1906 OS map.

References - Primary Sources
1. OS Map of 1906.

Secondary Sources
1. HMBB first survey records.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

A. Style
B. Proportion
C. Ornamentation
D. Plan Form
F. Structural System
G. Innovatory Qualities
J. Setting

Criteria for listing: historic interest

V. Authorship
Z. Rarity
Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance
W. Northern Ireland/International Interest

Evaluation

This is an early 20th century bridge in reinforced concrete which appears to be in its original condition. It is in a plain functional unornamented style, typical of both its utilitarian character and the Modern Movement which was manifesting itself at that time in the world of architecture and engineering design. It is of very special interest as one of the earliest reinforced concrete bridges in Northern Ireland, and a rare example of a pre-war pedestrian bridge built of that material. As one of a number of examples in Northern Ireland of the Hennebique system of reinforced concrete, invented by the internationally renowned pioneering French engineer, Francois Hennebique, and publicised and developed on his behalf in Britain by Mouchel & Partners of London, it is of national interest. At a more local level it is of social value as a means of connection between two communities on either side of the river, some distance from the nearest vehicular bridge.