Barnhalt Footbridge,

The Department's description

Exterior description and setting

Single-span cast-iron foot bridge on a north/south axis over the Carrickfergus to Larne railway line, erected c.1880, on a Z-plan; completely refurbished off-site in 2005.

Cast-iron girder structure forming a depressed arch with wrought-iron latticed parapets and balustrades, and a quarter-paced landing to either side. The parapet/balustrade is supported by a series of swan-neck iron brackets, while the landings are supported on four cast-iron columns with ornate capitals, rising to form four posts to the landings with ball-headed finials and moulded bases set in concrete.
A single flight of steps to the south and a dog-leg flight to the north with pre-cast open-tread concrete steps and non-slip steel sheeting to the deck and the landings. A pair of iron plaques to the west elevation state.. “ WALTER MACFARLANE & Co., Architectural, Sanitary & Artistic, Ironfounders, SARACEN FOUNDRY, GLASGOW ”

Historical information

The railway line is first shown on the second edition OS map of 1857. The Belfast and Ballymena Railway opened in 1848 from Belfast to Ballymena, Randalstown and Carrickfergus and in 1862 the Carrickfergus-Larne section was opened by the Carrickfergus &Larne Railway. (Hamond, 1991).

A report in autumn 2005 to Carrickfergus Bourough Council notes that repairs to this 19th century iron footbridge were completed in October 2005. Repairs include ‘replacement of badly corroded main members, extensive repairs to wrought iron latticework, replacement of the concrete deck, application of anti-slip surfacing to deck and steps plus the grit blasting and painting of the entire structure’. (Eastern Division Report, 2005).

References

Primary Sources:
1. PRONI OS/6/1/52/1 -First Edition OS Map (1832)
2. PRONI OS/6/1/52/2 -Second Edition OS Map (1857)
3. PRONI OS/6/1/52/3 -Third Edition OS Map (1901-2)

Secondary Sources:
1. Hamond, Fred. First Survey information. 1991
2. Eastern Division Autumn 2005 Report to Carrickfergus Boroug Council. [Internet source].
Available from: Accessed 10th December, 2008.

Criteria for listing: architectural interest

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

Criteria for listing: historic interest

Y. Social, Cultural or Economic Importance
X. Local Interest
Z. Rarity

Evaluation

An recently conserved iron foot bridge of notable design and technical merit serving the local community. Erected as part of the Carrickfergus to Larne railway line in the 1880's. The functional appearance of the structure is enlivened by the richly detailed cast-iron decoration.