Twentieth century bridge, 'Black Bridge', Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation (EHER 40177)

A 20th century bridge over the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation (EHER 15085). It is built from engineering brick and has concrete abutments. The bridge was altered in the summer of 1940 with rows of drilled holes designed to receive explosive charges to destroy the bridge in the event of an imminent German attack. Summary from record 20281: Black Bridge stands 100 yards NW of The Square, Heybridge,

1998-2001. Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation survey. Bridge. Engineering brick and concrete breeze block abutments, concrete balustrade parapet, single span on seven RSJs. Towpath passes under bridge on north bank. <1> 1999. World War Two Defences in Maldon survey: site visit and desktop research. Black Bridge stands 100 yards north-west of The Square, Heybridge, where Holloway Road crosses the Chelmer and Blackwater Navigation Canal (EHER 15085). It is constructed of stone and steel supported by a brick pier on each side of the canal. In each of these piers there is a double row of drilled holes stretching their entire width, almost certainly bored to receive explosive charges with which to blow the bridge in the event of an imminent German attack. It is probable that they were made in the summer of 1940 when many other bridges throughout the country were being prepared for demolition. Each of the holes is 2" in diameter and there are 27 in each pier, 13 in the top row and 14 in the bottom. The rows are 40" apart. Wave Bridge, 400 yards to the SE, was similarly treated, see EHER 20285. <3> Five photos. <3>