2-888-329 - The Print Collector/Heritage Images

Suspension-Bridge across the Dnieper, at Kieff, in Russia, 1850. The Tsar Nicholas I Chain Bridge at Kiev (in modern Ukraine) was designed by Charles Blacker Vignoles. 'On Mr. Vignole's urgent recommendation, the use of wire ropes as the means of suspension was negatived, and the adoption of wrought-iron chains, with broad, flat links, was decided on. Such was the system employed for the Menai and Conway bridges in Wales, by Telford...The total weight of iron used in the construction of the bridge is about 3300 tons, including the machinery used in the various stages of its construction. The whole was made in England, several of the most celebrated iron-masters and manufacturers having been engaged thereon. It required fifteen vessels to convey the iron to Odessa, whence it was taken up to Kieff (a distance of nearly 400 English miles) in small waggons...'. From "Illustrated London News", 1850.