Tay Rail Bridge
The Tay Rail bridge is an unique bridge which not only slopes upwards towards Fife but also curves at the Dundee end so it could connect with existing railways.
It is 2.75 miles (4.43 km) long. The bridge was built of iron and steel. It has two tracks so trains can pass on the bridge. This bridge replaced a single track lattice design structure that suffered a catastrophic structural failure. The first Tay Rail Bridge collapsed during a storm on the night of the 28th of December 1879. A section of the high girders and a northbound passenger train plunged into the river; there were no survivors.
In this view from Fife the different sections can be seen.
The shipping channels are under the high girders allowing a lot of clearance for ships passing upstream to Perth
The River Tay depending on the wind and the tide can offer some amazing reflections.
However when the tide is high and there are strong westerly winds. Waves will crash against the bridge and footpath.
At the Fife end of the bridge are four brick arches. You can also see the villages of Wormit and Newport-on-Tay in this photo.
Timelapses of trains crossing the bridge.
Want to know more about the Tay Rail Bridge and the Dundee's redevelopment?
Join your friendly and knowledgeable guide Stephen Finn
(as seen on LinkedIn) for
This guided walk is full of fun facts and amusing anecdotes about the ever changing Dundee waterfront. A blend of recent history, humour, and photography.
