Construction of the Tamar Bridge began in 1959 and was opened to traffic in 1961. As the longest suspension bridge in the UK at the time it still provides a vital link into Cornwall. Many of the features of the bridge are noted for their engineering excellence and informed bridge builders not only in the UK but worldwide.
The two-hour long tour will focus on two key factors of the bridge, beneath the road deck and in the anchorage. Led by Tamar Crossings, the organisation that manages the bridge, the visit includes the catwalks under the road bridge, offering great views of Brunel’s Royal Albert Bridge. The tour will also walk to the main tower on the Devon bank and back. Following the under bridge tour, the group will then descend to one of the anchorages on the Devon bank to view where the main cable enters the ground.
Attendees must be comfortable walking a reasonable distance and climbing steep steps. Certain aspects of the tour may not suit someone with mobility issues.
The meeting point is at the Bridging the Tamar Visitor Centre, where free parking is also available.
Spaces are limited, so early booking is advisable. Attendees are required to bring a high-visibility vest and a hard hat.
