Canvey Bridges today

 

Today there are two bridges onto the Island, one from the mainland at Benfleet replacing the old swing bridge of 1931 and the other from the A130 at Sadlers Farm. Both were opened in 1973, one with a fanfare the other quietly.

The bridge or bridges (Jotmans, Railway and East Haven Viaduct) and the Canvey Approach road from the A130 was officially opened in April 1973 to:

· an angry demonstration which led to two arrests

· the opening speeches being almost drowned by the protestors

· the curtailment of part of the ceremony

· a large attendance of police officers

 

“The demo, had been called by Cllr. Brian Beasley, Tory leader of Canvey Council, against the latest oil refinery which had received planning permission from Mr. Geoffrey Rippon, Secretary of State for the Environment. A crowd assembled and marched towards the cere­mony. They were held at a distance by police officers, who linked their arms. Both Cllr. Beasley and the Police urged a peaceful demonstration but, at times, there were scuffles.”

 

The main bridge from Benfleet replacing the Colvin Bridge opened without any ceremony or protests in the same year.

    

 

The Canvey Approach Road from Sadlers Farm

 

 

The Main bridge from Benfleet to Canvey

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Canvey Island Essex

Canvey Bridges today

©jpenn