Chapter 17

ROBERT STEPHENSON'S TUBULAR BRIDGES AT MENAI AND CONWAY.

George Stephenson surveys a line from Chester to 320-340 Holyhead--Robert Stephenson's construction of the works at Penmaen Mawr--Crossing of the Menai Strait--Various plans proposed--A tubular beam determined on--Strength of wrought-iron tubes--Mr. William Fairbairn consulted--His experiments--The design settled--The Britannia Bridge described--The Conway Bridge--Floating of the tubes--Lifting of the tubes--Robert Stephenson's anxieties--Bursting of the Hydraulic Press--The works completed--Merits of the Britannia and Conway Bridges