Albert Edward Bridge, Coalbrookdale
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Buildwas Road, Coalbrookdale, Shropshire TF8 7DW
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The Albert Edward Bridge is a railway bridge spanning the River Severn at Coalbrookdale in Shropshire, England. Opened on 1 November 1864, its design is almost identical to Victoria Bridge which carries the Severn Valley Railway over the river Severn between Arley and Bewdley in Worcestershire.
Designed by Sir John Fowler, its 200-foot span cast iron arch has four ribs, each of nine parts bolted together. The moulds for the radiused beam castings for the bridge were prepared by Thomas Parker at the Coalbrookdale Iron Company. Originally built to carry the Severn Junction Railway across the river, it now carries coal traffic as part of the line between Lightmoor Junction and Ironbridge Power Station.
The bridge's timber and wrought iron deck was replaced by a structural steel deck in 1933. It may be one of the last large cast iron railway bridges to have been built. Due to its age and the condition of the ironwork, traffic over the bridge is restricted to a 5mph speed limit to minimise stress. Although it carries two tracks only the one on the downstream side is still in use. It is a Grade II Listed Building.
By road: It is not easy to gain access but a good view can be obtained from a turning towards the river Severn off Buildwas Road, upstream from Ironbridge. It can also be seen in the distance from the road bridge leading to the Ironbridge Power Station off Buildwas Road, a little further upstream.
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