The Edmondson Blog

Since the Dee Bridge Disaster in 1847 (see pic above), new bridge designs have collapsed every 30 years or so as designers push them to, and beyond, their limits. Presently, a new design of bridge, the cable stayed bridge (such as the Queen Elizabeth II Bridge at Dartford in Kent) is being pushed to its limits. It is over-time for another disaster…

• 1847 Dee Bridge – cast iron girder bridge. Then 32 years pass:
• 1879 Tay Bridge – continuous girder bridge. Then 28 years pass:
• 1907 Quebec Bridge – cantilever bridge. Then 33 years pass:
• 1940 Tacoma Narrows Bridge – suspension bridge. Then 30 years pass:
• 1970 Milford Haven Bridge (now called the Cleddau Bridge), spanning the River Cleddau in Wales, and Westgate Bridge in Melbourne, Australia – both box girder bridges.

It has now been 39 years and counting…