A bascule bridge is a type of bridge that can be raised or lowered using a counterweight to provide space for ships’ transit. A similar principle is used in balance scales. Such bridges have existed since ancient times, but since the 1850s, they have become more technologically advanced. Liverpool has a fine example of a modern bascule bridge, the Stanley Dock Bascule Bridge. Its past, present and future will be the subject of our article at liverpool-future.
Past
The Bascule Bridge on Regent Road in Liverpool was built in 1932. This bridge is one of the few of its kind in the whole country. In addition, it is very attractive thanks to a new lighting system. Its main purpose is to demonstrate the engineering and architectural features of the structure in multi-coloured light. We will further tell you how and who designed this system, but first of all let’s dive into the bridge’s history.
The bridge was built decades ago and its owner company, Peel Ports, didn’t care much about its condition. In the end, it looked terrible and fell into disrepair. Metal structures were eaten by corrosion. This eventually led to the closure of the Stanley Dock Bascule Bridge in May 2008. However, the closure was temporary because it was aimed at repairs, which were completed in 2010. The machine house was reroofed and a new layer of paint was added to the structure. Later, such a wonderful restoration won a Historic Bridge and Infrastructure Award.
Present day
This bridge is a Grade II listed building. According to the rating system, it is defined as an object of medium importance. The authorities simply had no moral right not to take care of this wonderful structure. Therefore, they allocated large funds for its lighting, £52 million.
Liverpool company MJ Quinn took on that task in 2018 after completing a similar project at St Luke’s, or the Bombed-Out Church in the city centre. The Stanley Dock Bascule Bridge, the jewel of Liverpool’s dock system, shone even brighter than ever before. Residents of the city and its guests, figuratively and literally, could see this masterpiece of engineering art in a new light.
However, this bridge is so gorgeous not only because of the lighting. It is also an example of filigree engineering work.
A blogger and the author of the photo above, explains:
“The rolling girder… complete with copious riveted stiffening – the entire bridge sits directly on this when it opens. One advantage of the arrangement is that the centre of gravity changes position with respect to the point of support… The photo also illustrates… you can’t escape the visual evidence of its making and assembly. Modern bridge technology tends to erase rather than emphasise this aspect, and such bridges often appear as if wished-into-place without having experienced any birth pains. The bridge’s machine room spans the roadway, and is something of a blot on the landscape…”
The bridge is located among the abandoned port warehouses. Some of them are in bad condition and some of the industrial enterprises nearby are closed.
Future
In 2010, the Liverpool Echo reported that the repaired bridge wouldn’t be able to move up and down. Of course, it caused certain concerns about whether it would be able to continue its function. But it was explained that the waterway beneath would no longer be used by large ships. Only small boats heading along the Leeds-Liverpool Canal will pass under it.
The former leader of Liverpool City Council, Joe Anderson, estimated that 20,000 cars and trucks crossed the bridge every day. He added that this is the historical part of the dock road and the docks themselves. The bridge, which had been damaged by corrosion, had to be either demolished or preserved through restoration work. The city has chosen the second option, meaning that the Bascule Bridge is valued and has an important place in the Liverpool of the future.
