A Channel Bridge.

Evening Star, Issue 7407, 30 December 1887, Page 2

A Channel Bridge.

The following details of a proposed bridge across the English Channel are taken from a French contemporary “ The ‘ ment ’ of October 25 states that a scheme »for the erection of such a bridge is in active consideration on the other side of the water. At the head of the project is Admiral Cloud, and acting in connection with, him are three well-known engineers Messrs Hersent, Fowler, and Baker; the two latter representing England in the matter. The plans have already been prepared, and are at present being examined by skilled engineers at the Creusot Works. As the consetl sup6rieur rfes ponU et chausies is .not unfavorable to the scheme, as soon as the plana are approved, active measures, it is expected, will be shortly begun. It is estimated that the cost will be somewhere about L 40,000,000, and the time required before it can be completed, seven years or more. The course proposed to be taken for the bridge is from Cran-aux-CEufa, a little place on French coast between Ambleteuse and Cape Gris-Vert, to Folkestone, on the English side, a distance of about twenty-two miles. Not the shortest, but the shallowest line will be chosen. The deptii of the Channel is commonly supposed to be much greater than it is in reality. There are two shallows between Cran-aux-(Eufs and Folkestone where the depth is only about 20ft. They are named the Colbart and the Warne, and they will, of course, make a material difference in laying the foundations and huge piles which will be required for this gigantic structure. From the French coast to the first of these shallows the depth is about 160 ft, and from the other shallow to Folkstone about 100 ft. The bridge will have two slight bends, the first deviating a little to reach the Warne, the other falling back to reach Folkestone. The piles required are blocks of concrete and masonry, 160 ft long by 100 ft broad, and will be placed at intervals of about 550 yds. These measurements sound enormous, but it is stated to be quite possible that they may have to be increased to give the bridge, a strength capable of bearing a weight of 25,000 tons. The causeway of the bridge will be about 160 ft above the sea level, so that vessels of any size may be able to pass beneath it. It will be 100 ft wide, and be divided into four lines for train service, as well as a way for foot passengers. Signal boxes and sidings will he placed along the whole length at equal distances. The bridge will be illuminated by electric light, each pile having a powerful electric lamp attached to it, as well as fog horns and alarum bells for use in foggy weather. Such are the outline details of this enormous undertaking, which the projectors state they have full confidence will be before long carried out.”