Boyne Viaduct Dimensions

GBOA

Would anyone happen to have, or know where I could find the dimensions for the Boyne viaduct? The only thing I've been able to find is the clearance. I believe there was an article by Ron Cox some years ago but links to that are now dead.

Thanks.

flyingsnail

The best description I have is from the book Crossing the Boyne: The Great viaduct 1855-2005. There is also a drawing with measurements in the book.

The structure spans about 1760 feet in length, consisting of 15 semi circular masonry arch spans, 12 on the south and 3 on the north side of the river, each 60 feet clear span, and 3 girder spans , 2 of 141 feet between the bearings and one of 267 feet, over the waterways, quays and public road, the whole being supported by massive masonry piers, the underside of the girders being 90 feet above high water level for the full with of the large span.

Losty Dublin

I cobbled these measurements from the book Bridging the Boyne and Pattersons's GNR book on today's bridge.

*The centre span is 267' 2 15/16" long, the two outer spans 141' 5 13/16". They are 90' over high tide level on the Boyne; this allows shipping to pass underneath if need be.
*The 15 arches (895' and 12 spans on the south and 278' and 3 spans on the north banks respectively) are made from Limestone and measure 61' across. The trackbed on the masonry section is 29' across.
*The metal sections are 19' 6" wide on the inside, with 15' 10 3/4" allowed for train clearance. The smaller spans have a height of 22'3" and the centre span 37'.

The original bridge had room for double track; when the GNR replaced it in 1932 they used interlaced track; it's two tracks inside each other. Today it has a single track through it as it lessen stress on the bridge. As can be seem from the images below, it was very different to todays structure.





I hope this helps; if you want more information then the IRRS or Irish Rail's Infrastructural section may be able to help you along.

GBOA

Thanks to you both for the info. That's what I needed.

seagoebox

The Ron Cox article is in the journal of the Meath Historical Society, volume 17, 2006, pages 223 to 253.
IRRS Journals no 117 (2/1992), and no 122 (10/1993) are useful, as is the 1944 book "The GNR Past, Present and Future, by KA Murray.