Bridge

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

This three-span masonry arch bridge carries the Banbridge Road over the River Lagan at the west end of Dromara.
It is of random rubble construction throughout, without any embellishments. All the arches are of segmental profile, with roughly dressed voussoirs. The middle arch is wider and slightly higher than the end ones, giving a slight curvature to the road. There are no cutwaters to the piers, either upstream or down. A metal pipe is carried across the upstream (W) face on metal brackets. The deck caries a two-lane road. A large drainage pipe discharges just upstream on the S bank.

Historical information

This bridge is depicted on the 1833 OS six-inch map and subsequent editions. It was probably built in the late 1700s or early 1800s.

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

Late 18th/early 19th century three-span random rubble arch bridge, which carries the Banbridge Road over the River Lagan at the west end of Dromara. Plainly detailed with no cutwaters, a metal pipe carried across the upstream face on metal brackets, detracts from its character. Although interesting, it is not considered suitable for listing and there are better examples listed in the area..