Construction of the swing bridge over the River Taff is well underway at the date this photogrpah was taken; probably during late 1865 or early to mid-1866. At the left of the image is the central support pier required for the bridge to rotate upon and strong enough to take the entire weight of the structure when it is in the open position. A Taff Vale railway engine hauls materials for the construction work whilst a temporary derrick is used to unload the flatbed trucks. The wooden viaduct supports are situated 30 feet apart and await their wrought-iron plate girder toppings to support the roadway decking. This photograph was copied at the Cardiff Central Library some years ago. [405]

This photograph shows the heavy masonry of the central circular support pier upon which the swing bridge rotates which is now complete. It is 20 feet in diameter and awaits capping off with its ironwork pivot mechanism assembly. Another photograph supplied by the helpful staff of Cardiff Central Library some years ago. [405]