1879-1960 British Railroad Bridge over Severn River between Sharpness and Lydney, UK

Bridge Remnants: (Satellite, the swingspan pier on the left of the canal and the bridge abutment on the right.)

Tunnel: (Satellite)

The History of Wales posted

17th October 1879 saw the official opening of the Severn Railway Bridge (destroyed in 1960).

The Severn Railway Bridge crossed the River Severn between Sharpness and Lydney and was built by the Severn Bridge Railway company to transport coal from the Forest of Dean on the Severn and Wye Railway.

The bridge predated the construction of the Severn Tunnel, which is situated around 12 miles downstream, by seven years, after which it was used as a diversionary route when the tunnel was closed for engineering work and became known by locals as 'The White Elephant'.

On 25th October 1960, there was thick fog and a strong tide; two barges carrying fuel oil and petroleum overshot Sharpness Dock and were carried upstream by hazardous tidal currents. They collided with one of the columns of the bridge, causing two spans of the 22-span steel and cast iron bridge to collapse. Part of the structure hit the barges, setting fire to them. Five people died in the incident.

The Western Region of British Railways planned to reconstruct the bridge, but after further damage to the bridge in 1961, it considered the bridge to be damaged beyond economic repair and demolition was completed in 1970.

Ron Nicholls commented on the above post
Hard to imagine it now.

Grahame Conlon commented on the above post

Simon Hartley commented on the above post
Here is a bit of the OS 1-Inch map, dated 1966. I am amused and impressed that they left out the bit of bridge which had fallen.

John Berge commented on the above post
I walked along the canal towpath this summer and took this photo. An impressive structure.

Lou Coony commented on the above post
What remains today South bank.

JJ Williams commented on the above post
This is the Severn Bridge tunnel leading to the bridge on the Lydney side. Walked through it back in March. Seems to be used as a farm track now.

 Shaun Vizor commented on the above post
Walked some of the remaining track last weekend. Tunnel near Purton in surprisingly good condition