The Blaauwkrantz bridge

Abstract

The opening of the Blaauwkrantz Bridge in 1884 was an important link in the completion of the railway line-between Grahamstown and Port Alfred. This line proved a boon to farmers of the area and to businessmen in Grahamstown and Port Alfred. For the private company who built the line, however, it was not a financial success, and in 1913 it was taken over by the South African Railways and integrated into their railway system. Unable to cope with the increased traffic and the heavier rolling stock, the original Blaauwkrantz Bridge was eventually replaced by a new one. The old bridge, however, is still remembered for a railway disaster in April 1911 in which twenty eight people were killed.