Lower White Water Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Carries a minor road over the White Water River just west of Packolet. Comprises two slightly skewed segmental arches; the left one (looking downstream) is wider that that at right, but both are the same height. All but the parapets are of random rubble, with roughly dressed granite voussoirs. Angled cutwater on both up- and downstream sides, rising to just above arch spring level. The cutwaters are of roughly-squared granite blocks and may be a later addition. The original random rubble parapets have been replaced with cast-in-situ concrete; part of the original walling survives on the road approach to the right arch. The bed of the river is pitched; that below the right arch is raised, so that it is dry in normal flows. Slightly humped carriageway. Some vegetation overgrowth on upstream side.

Historical information

An unnamed bridge is shown here on the 1834 OS 6” map. It is explicitly named on the 1859 edition, and shown with two cutwaters. This implies three arches, but the accuracy of this depiction is uncertain as no cutwaters are shown on the 1901 map. The existing bridge might well pre date 1834. The present parapets are probably of mid 20th century date.

Primary Sources:
1. OS 6" map, 1st edition (1834) Co Down sheet 57 (PRONI OS/6/3/57/1)
2. OS 6" map, 2nd edition (1859) Co Down sheet 57 (PRONI OS/6/3/57/2)
3. OS 6" map, 3rd edition (1901) Co Down sheet 57 (PRONI OS/6/3/57/3)

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Primarily of interest because of its rubble stone construction which contrasts with the squared and coursed mid-19th century White Water Bridge further downsteam (HB16/04/010). The mass concrete parapets detract from its original character.