What's was happning with Potter's Bridge

[Siddy]

I've found a postcard on e bay sale number 371146286275 search for that.

It shows the mini arches on either side boarded up.

Any idea what was happening?

[deebee29]

Hi Siddy

Interesting, i see its from the 70‘s

I've no idea why it's boarded up but like you would like to know thes story behind it

David

Edited for spelling

[BroadScot]

Hi Siddy,

 

Yes I remember the arches boarded up.

 

Iain.

[Guest]

I don't know the reason why it was boarded up, but it must have been for quite some time.

 

If you google "Potter Heigham Bridge" for images, there's several showing it boarded up on the first page.

 

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=potter+heigham+bridge&client=firefox-a&hs=RHx&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=nts&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=dHIeVKvDNsnfaOu-guAM&ved=0CCIQsAQ&biw=1033&bih=544#imgdii=_

[BroadAmbition]

They were boarded up for years - apparently to stop would-be thrill seekers in canoes and the like 'Having a Go'

 

 

Griff

[ranworthbreeze]

Hi Griff,

Looking at the pictures and seeing that the boarding was only down to the water level I wondered if it might have been to stop people in canoes trying to get under the low arches and be a danger to other craft going through the bridge.

Regards

Alan

[Siddy]

Thanks for replys, canoes was the only thing I could think about then it would also increase the water flow through the main arch. Thrill seekers with canoes wasn't bungee jumping about back then (how high).

[Guest]

I still have no hard evidence to quote here, but I I'm getting doubts about the side arch timber work being to deter canoeists.

 

When you enlarge that section of the photos, the timber work is on a very heavy scale, 9" by 3" timbers clamped by even thicker iron girders.

 

It's clearly above average water level, so not designed to dam the side culverts either.

 

IMHO it was bridge structure strengthening, which was later removed after the bridge was strengthened internally ?

 

 

 

[deebee29]

Looks more like a structural thing to me but I'm no expert

I've tried searching for info but haven't come up with anything

Interesting thread

David

[BroadScot]

The expilot would probably know. In the back of my mind it was an experiment to change the water flow through the arch, or summat like that.

 

Iain.

[BroadAmbition]

Well whatever theory one subscribes to, they looked dammed unsightly and out of place, much better now.

 

It'll be even 'betterer' when they raise the whole lot up by a foot below the waterline!

 

 

Griff

[Swift]

No need for theories.  The bridge was braced though the side arches prior to proper repair. The bridge is a listed monument and was in a poor state.  It has been repaired once more since the braces were removed.  

 

David (Expilot)

[BroadScot]

No need for theories.  The bridge was braced though the side arches prior to proper repair. The bridge is a listed monument and was in a poor state.  It has been repaired once more since the braces were removed.  

 

David (Expilot)

Thanks David for reply,

 

Now I know what I require tae do wi my dodgy ancient legs, get them braced

 

 

Iain.

[deebee29]

Thanks for that David

It's interesting to know

David

[grendel]

I was looking at the pictures and looking at that 'nut' in the middle of the steelwork, and thinking that it was a sizeable rod threaded through, much like the rods they thread through house walls to stop them spreading and collapsing.

Grendel

[Siddy]

Thanks for the update David

[boatmadmike]

i was in potter heighem on saturday just to let u know the arches on the bridge not boarded up

[Viking23]

I don't know the reason why it was boarded up, but it must have been for quite some time.

 

If you google "Potter Heigham Bridge" for images, there's several showing it boarded up on the first page.

 

https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=potter+heigham+bridge&client=firefox-a&hs=RHx&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=nts&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=dHIeVKvDNsnfaOu-guAM&ved=0CCIQsAQ&biw=1033&bih=544#imgdii=_

Some great pictures there, but I had a shock when I saw Graham Cook's picture in the link.

A reminder to take care when on the water. I can't believe it's over 2 1/2 years since the tragedy.

He is still sadly missed.

Although we never used his services on our boat, we always had a word prior to transitting the bridge, and his advice was always first class.

[Guest]

......I had a shock when I saw Graham Cook's picture in the link.

A reminder to take care when on the water. I can't believe it's over 2 1/2 years since the tragedy.

He is still sadly missed......

 

Yes indeed, a tragic reminder of how water can catch out even one of the most experienced professionals.