Ballinderry River Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

This small un-named triple-arch masonry bridge carrying a minor single-lane road over the Ballinderry River just south of the main Ballinderry-Lisburn road.

It is constructed of random rubble masonry throughout except for its abutments which are of squared random rubble brought to courses. There are angled cutwaters on its upstream (E) and downstream (W) elevations, rising to arch spring level. Its three arches are of segmental profile with roughly dressed voussoirs. The middle arch is wider and higher than the end ones, causing the deck to be slightly humped. The soffits have been gunited. The parapets are coped with fieldstones set at regular intervals (in cement mortar).

Historical information

Although the line of this road is shown on the 1832 OS six-inch map, the bridge is not actually shown until the 1857 edition. It was probably built in the 1830s, soon after the road was constructed.

References - Primary sources:
1. PRONI OS/6/1/63/1. First edition OS six-inch map, Co Antrim sheet 63 (1832).
2. PRONI OS/6/1/63/2. Second edition OS six-inch map, Co Antrim sheet 63 (1857).

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

Not listed

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Not listed

Evaluation

Small early nineteenth century triple arched stone bridge with hump backed profile, spanning the Ballinderry River just south of the main Ballinderry-Lisburn road. Whilst interesting, alterations to the bridge, including cementing of the parapets and guniting of the soffits, affect its authenticity and it is not of special architectural interest.