[ Duplex ]
[ Duplex ]
Ruins of the castle, originally built in the 5th century and rebuilt in the 13th century, span both sides of the bridge. Photo © English Heritage
By echoing the approximate width and length of the natural land bridge that collapsed into the water long ago, the new bridge reconnects the two separated sections of the castle site.
The central gap between the two cantilevers is about 40 millimeters wide.
Cross bracing, railings, and deck trays were made from 2205 duplex stainless steel.
coastal environments. Molybdenum inhibits pitting and crevice corrosion, extending the life of the components without the need for protective coatings.
Assembling across the abyss Construction logistics posed another challenge. The remote location lacked road access for heavy machinery, and cranes could not be used in the 60-meter-deep gorge. The solution? Divide the steel structure into transportable sections, deliver them by narrow road, and hoist them into place using a cable crane system – more typical of alpine construction than British heritage sites. Both 33-meter halves of the bridge are composed of six prefabricated steel segments, each weighing less than five tonnes. These were lifted into place, then joined using interlocking steel plates that slide together without temporary supports, and secured with bolts. This method allowed the structure to be built outwards into thin air, segment by segment. The intentional gap in the center enables each bridge half to expand and contract with variations in temperature.
About IMOA
Reproduced with the kind permission of the International Molybdenum Association( IMOA). IMOA is a non-profit trade association representing the majority of the molybdenum industry worldwide. For information visit www. imoa. info
22 Stainless Steel World March 2026 www. stainless-steel-world. net