Since Liverpool is located on the River Mersey, it can’t do without bridges. However, many of them were built a long time ago. Therefore, they require reconstruction from time to time. Learn more about one of the interesting and old bridges, the Albert Salthouse Bridge, at liverpool-future.
Construction
The Albert Salthouse Bridge is a vehicular bridge built by the Merseyside Development Corporation. It is made of cast iron and wrought iron and connects Albert Dock with Salthouse Dock. However, at a certain point in history, the bridge lost its initial purpose. The docks were important for sailing ships. When they were replaced by steamships, the docks became unnecessary.
Salthouse Dock is a dock on the River Mersey and a part of the Port of Liverpool. It is located in the southern dock system and is connected to Canning Dock to the north, Wapping Dock across the basin of the same name to the south and Albert Dock to the west. Salthouse Dock was designed by Thomas Steers and was being built from 1734 to 1753. Albert Dock was opened in 1846, which allowed the unloading of ships before they moved to Salthouse, where they were loaded again. Then Liverpool had an active trade with China and the West Indies.
The old Albert Salthouse Bridge dates back to that time. Since the structure is small, we have almost no information about its construction. Today, there is a road bridge nearby and we know more about it. The bridge looks like it’s been there for centuries, but it was actually built in 1985 when architects were reviving the Pier Head and Albert Dock. These sites were in decline for a long time, but in the early 1980s, the authorities decided to breathe new life into them. Despite its small size, the bridge is beautiful and eye-catching.
Today, we can enjoy it to the fullest. It has modern elements and corresponds to the level of the Royal Albert Dock. There are also good bars and restaurants here. On your way to The Turncoat craft beer bar, you’ll inevitably pass over the Albert Salthouse Bridge.
Reconstruction
Over time, the bridge’s condition deteriorated and it needed reconstruction. It was repaired by the Savills company, which reported on this project on their blog. In 2013, the company became the managing agent of Albert Dock, and in 2015, the works were completed. The last repair was carried out 30 years ago. The contractor said that the reconstruction of the famous bridge was given priority. Implementation of the project was a difficult task, but the company managed to do it.
The waterway had to be closed for the time of reconstruction. Savills experts contacted the Environment Agency and specialist engineers. They carried out structural, painting and expansion joint replacement surveys. The paint system has been thoroughly tested by government inspectors for toxicity. The original bridge was covered with anti-corrosion paint, which contains toxic substances. It was removed using a shot blast, a method of cleaning the surface using a large jet of air or an abrasive material. They also needed EnviroWrap to protect the environment from pollution.
The company tested engineering communications and ducts, replacing some of them. The repair works (if we don’t take into account the preparation) lasted 13 weeks without days off. They were completely noiseless, none of the local residents or guests of nearby hotels complained about extraneous annoying sounds.
The Albert Salthouse Bridge eventually regained its former glory. Such conscientious work allows the bridge to last without repairs for 15-20 years (that is, until 2030-2035) and to become an important part of the Liverpool of the future.
