Countess Wear bridge was built in the late 18th century as part of the road improvements carried out by the Turnpike Trusts, replacing a ford on the same site. Thomas Parker of Topsham was engaged to build the Countess Wear bridge to a conventional stone design. Work started in March 1771 and it was opened on 14 September 1774. It had seven spans of between 23ft and 26ft in length. The width was 13ft 7in. In 1842, the two central arches were replaced by a 60ft arch. In 1938 the road was widened to 45ft to cater for increased motor traffic along the new Exeter bypass.
This article is protected.
Category: exeter bridge
