Union Bridge, Aberdeen

Union Bridge is a bridge on Union Street, Aberdeen, Scotland. It is the largest single-span granite bridge in the world, at 130 feet (40 metres). It was built by Thomas Fletcher under some influence from Thomas Telford. It is a Category B listed building with Historic Scotland.[1]

Union Bridge
Coordinates57°08′45″N 2°06′05″W
CrossesDenburn Valley
Characteristics
MaterialGranite
Total length130 feet 0 inches (39.62 m)
Location

History

Constructed from 1801–05 as part of Union Street under plans suggested by Charles Abercrombie, it was intended to provide an impressive approach into the city from the south (and west); previously the route had been somewhat circuitous. The bridge crosses the Denburn valley, and Union Terrace Gardens. Alongside the gardens are a dual carriageway and single railway track; originally there was a small roadway and considerable railway workings, with the site being a short distance north of Aberdeen railway station.

The bridge was widened in 1908, in a scheme of William Diack, with Benjamin Baker as consultant, shortly before the latter's death. Steel side spans which carry today's pavements were introduced, as were the famous "Kelly's cats", black cast metal leopards which sit along the balustrade.[2] The 'cats' were cast by William Wilson and added to the bridge in 1910. The name Kelly’s Cats is actually a misnomer as only the decorative bronze friezes, installed on the bridge in 1908, were designed by the Aberdeen architect William Kelly.[3]

One of "Kelly's Cats"

The southern side of the bridge, including the cats, was hidden, and the view lost, when shops were constructed along it in the 1960s.[4] These later became part of the Trinity Centre. The road and railways continue to run under the shops. The southern balustrade was moved to Duthie Park.

Makeshift fencing was installed along the bridge in 2016 in an attempt to deter people from dying by suicide.[5] A permanent barrier is due to be completed in 2021 as part of works to redevelop the adjacent Union Terrace Gardens.[6]

References
  1. Historic Environment Scotland. "UNION STREET VIADUCT (Category B Listed Building) (LB20077)". Retrieved 15 March 2019.
  2. "History". Aberdeen Society of Architects. Retrieved 12 November 2019.
  3. "Sculpture & Curios Trail - Interesting objects in Aberdeen city centre" (PDF). Aberdeen City Council. Retrieved 11 March 2021.
  4. "Girder marvel for shops on stilts". Evening Express. 16 September 1963. p. 7. Retrieved 17 February 2021.
  5. Hall, Jamie. "Campaigners welcome barrier on Union Bridge but say 'it will not solve mental health issues'". Evening Express. Retrieved 20 March 2021.
  6. Gossip, Alastair. "Union Bridge barriers could be finished in weeks as gardens revamp on track for winter completion". Evening Express. Retrieved 20 March 2021.

57°08′45″N 2°06′06″W

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