Shared description
Westham Bridge
Westham Bridge first spanned the backwaters in 1859. A much-needed link was required to cross the Backwater. The first Westham Bridge was built under the ‘Backwater Bridge and Road Act 1851′. The wooden structure had a central lifting section, which allowed barges to travel to Westham and Radipole and were later removed. The bridge opened to the public in 1859 with a toll charge of one halfpenny to cross. It ceased in 1879 when the bridge was registered as a County Bridge.
A backwater dam was built in 1872 in an attempt to control the water level in Radipole Lake and also to try to stop unpleasant smells at low tide. The now-disused dam can often be seen when waters are low. In 1882 the bridge closed for six months for essential repairs. Over £3000 was spent replacing piles and decking.
In 1914, responsibility for the maintenance of the bridge passed to Weymouth Corporation and, shortly afterwards, plans were started to build a new bridge of stone. Much land had to be reclaimed at both ends in order to permit its connection to the existing roads. Sluices were built into this bridge to control the water level and have controlled water levels ever since; the sluices were updated in 2008 and are now electrically controlled.
A backwater dam was built in 1872 in an attempt to control the water level in Radipole Lake and also to try to stop unpleasant smells at low tide. The now-disused dam can often be seen when waters are low. In 1882 the bridge closed for six months for essential repairs. Over £3000 was spent replacing piles and decking.
In 1914, responsibility for the maintenance of the bridge passed to Weymouth Corporation and, shortly afterwards, plans were started to build a new bridge of stone. Much land had to be reclaimed at both ends in order to permit its connection to the existing roads. Sluices were built into this bridge to control the water level and have controlled water levels ever since; the sluices were updated in 2008 and are now electrically controlled.
by N Chadwick
Created: Tue, 17 Sep 2013, Updated: Sun, 5 Jul 2020
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