Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

This twin-arched masonry bridge carries the Dree Hill Road over the River Lagan at its junction with the Dromara Road in the centre of the hamlet of Finnis.

The bridge is of random rubble blackstone throughout, except for its arch voussoirs and parapet copings which are of roughly dressed granite. The abutments and pier are underpinned with concrete. The pier has an angled cutwater at its upstream (S) end only, rising to parapet level. The two small arches are of segmental profile. The left-bank (W) one is longer than the other to accommodate the turn on to the main road. The deck has a slight curvature and carries two lanes of traffic and a footpath.

Setting

The bed of the river under and downstream of the bridge has been concreted; there is also a low concrete wall on the downstream side which directs the water away from the right bank. There is a waterfall and fish pass beyond the concrete work on the downstream side. Field drain pipes discharge into the river immediately upstream of the bridge.

Historical information

This bridge is shown but not captioned on all OS maps from 1833 onwards. It is not cited in the Ordnance Survey Memoirs, which is probably because it was too small and on too minor a road to be of particular note. It is likely to be of later 18th or earlier 19th century date.

References – Primary sources:
1. PRONI OS/6/3/28/1. First edition OS six-inch map, Co Down sheet 28 (1833).

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

A twin-arched masonry road bridge of later 18th or earlier 19th century date over the River Lagan. Although of some local interest does not meet the statutory and policy tests as a building of special architectural or historical interest.

General comments

This bridge could be of 18th century date.