Risca

Every abutment tells a story. Just North-West of the current Risca station on the Ebbw Vale line is one end of the former Risca Long Bridge. It was originally built as part of a tramway, but later replaced by an embankment around 1905 to allow easement of curves. I was told by a local resident that the demolition contractor was paid one pound per arch - that is £32 - to demolish the bridge; but was allowed to keep the stone, which he used to build a terrace of houses nearby. Sadly, he paid for this deal with the loss of one eye in an accident during the demolition. Notice the number of drains in the abutment - I counted eight!

Location: Risca

Original line: Hall^s Tramroad

Photographer: Ken Strachan

Contact photographer: Ken Strachan

Contact editor

Photosets: South Wales, ancient and modern  

Date: 13/08/2011

Image number: 35725


Other photographs of Risca on RailScot