Neath River Swing Bridge
at Skewen, near Neath
The bridge was built 1892-4 for the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway line between Neath and Swansea to cross the River Neath. The chief engineer was S.W. Yockney (presumably Sydney William Yockney), the resident engineer was F. E. Goldwyre [Goldwyn?] and the contractor was George Palmer. Steelwork was supplied by Finch and Co of Chepstow. It was originally operated by hydraulic machinery supplied by William Armstrong of Newcastle, but is now permanently fixed.[1]
The opening span, 180 ft (55 m) long, 27 ft(8.2 m) wide opening span is pivoted centrally on a pier of six cylindrical columns. There are three steel plate girder approach spans on the west side and two on the east. The total length of the bridge is 388 feet (118 m).[2]
See also Coflein entry.
1894 'Whilst the Chairman and Directors of the Rhondda and Swansea Bay Railway were yesterday making an inspection of the iron swing bridge — now nearing completion — over the River Neath, a riveter, named Joseph Surr, fell into the river from a considerable height. Notwithstanding that there was a strong tide running, Mr. Yockney, of Westminster, chief engineer of the railway, and the bridge foreman, named Russell, without a moment's hesitation, jumped into the river and swam for the drowning man. They dived several times, and did not cease their attempts at rescue until quite exhausted. Surr's body was recovered later.[3]