Whilst the tram road was in operation, the footpath along the riverbank passed beneath the tram road bridge but after its closure the path was diverted to cross part way up the slope before reverting to river level to continue its journey to Frenchwood.
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The Tram Bridge and Winding House 1850. Looking East along the public footpath which originally passed beneath the bridge. |
Some twenty years later the bridge, now owned by the North Union Railway Company became unstable. A photograph taken in the 1860’s from the south bank, looking up the incline shows the bridge in very poor condition.
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The Tram Bridge 1860. Taken from the south bank looking up the Avenham Incline. Intermediate supports have been installed between the main supports to try to stabilise the structure. |
John Proctor, the last driver of the tramway, made two journeys a day, there and back, from Preston to Walton Summit for 32 years. Proctor, like all drivers, was not allowed to ride on the wagons, and it is said that he had to have his clogs resoled every week!
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The Tram Bridge 1902. Looking in very good condition as a result of heavy investment from the public purse by Preston Corporation. |