Severn Railway Bridge

Narrative

Severn Railway Bridge
On 25 October 1960, there was thick fog and a strong tide; two barges carrying fuel oil and petroleum (the Arkendale H and the Wastdale H) overshot Sharpness Dock, were carried upstream and collided with one of the columns of the bridge. Two spans of the 22-span steel and cast iron bridge collapsed. Part of the structure hit the barges, setting fire to them.
Five people died in the incident.

In February 1961 a further span collapsed.

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.
Following the accident, schoolchildren who had used the bridge daily had to be taken to school on a 40-mile (64 km) detour via Gloucester.

Source References

  1. Walter Treneman: Photos from Walter Treneman
      • Date: estimated 1960
      • Page: /home/les/.gramps-2/Treneman/Treneman
      • Confidence: Very High

References

  1. Walter Treneman