bailey bridge website

[Hanno Spoelstra]

Originally Posted by Phil Waterman

There is something really wrong with a bridge lasting 60+ years what ever happened to planned obsolescence. Just think of all the construction works who are unemployed not having to replace that bridge every 20 years.

But kidding aside I wonder how much has had to be replaced over the years?

Hi Phil,

The only explanation I can think of is "the Belgian way of doing things". But don't ask how it works. Even though they speak the same language and live close to us Dutchmen, they are truly a different people. Have a look at the website Wim posted originally, and be amazed by the number of Bailey bridges still in use. There are pictures of one having its wooden decking replaced and the lower steelwork shotblasted. That would be a good time to replace the whole bridge, wouldn't you think? Especially taking into consideration it's modular construction.

The one I pictured has been repainted several times, but some of the sections had severly suffered under rust. I really do not think it will survive much longer under the heavy load of 100's of vehicles each day.

But it is a nice tribute to Mr. Bailey's design!

Hanno