View from the Tayport Road of the Tay Road Bridge under construction 1965 - 1966.
Two trees planted in Tayfield in 1966 to celebrate opening of the Road Bridge. Like the bridge itself, they have flourished!
The Road Bridge opened on Thursday 18 August 1966 and a Gala Day was arranged in celebration on Saturday 20 August. The Gala Day was held in the grounds of Tayfield and featured a fancy dress parade, a beauty competition and all the usual fun of the fair.
Local school-children were all given a commemorative crown coin in a specially designed box. In fact the crown given out actually commemorated the death of Winston Churchill who had died the previous year. Hence the date 1965 on the crown, and the picture of Churchill on the reverse side!
Many local residents marked the occasion of the opening of the Road Bridge by sending themselves a first day cover with special postmark. Note postage in 1966 was 4d - 4 old pennies. This is the equivalent of 1.5p!
Two local businesses, Sandford Hill Hotel, and J T Young motor dealers, advertised in their local newspapers, hoping to take advantage of the opening of the Road Bridge. The adverts are directed particularly at the people of Dundee, so close now over the new bridge.
Newspaper cutting describing the events taking place in Newport to celebrate the opening of the Road Bridge. They take place over the weekend of 19 August 1966 - 21 August 1966.
This photograph provides an excellent view of the temporary road bridge, but it is equally as interesting to see this end of the village in such detail. Many of the houses have changed considerably in 40 years, with alterations and extensions. The Riverview Lodge (previously Seymour) area has been completely redeveloped, and in the lower ...
Three photographs showing off the unique design of Willie Logan's columns.
The temporary bridge, with cranes at the ready. In the distance the first columns are in place.
Looking between the first two columns at the Fife end of the bridge.
A dramatic view through the columns towards Dundee.
View from Tay Street of Road Bridge under construction.
As the bridge progressed, so the hours of work extended. Here is a dramatic view of night-time working.
An aerial view of the temporary bridge reaching out into the river.
The original distinctive checkerboard pattern of the walkway can be seen here, with its knight's move design of coloured slabs, a reflection of contractor Willie Logan's other love, chess. His first love? - bridges of course. Cars are queuing and paying tolls on both sides of carriageway. In Dundee, Tayside House is under construction (demolished ...
Construction of the massive Fife abutment, built above the Tayport road, just visible in the photograph.
Construction of the dual carriageway access road to the the bridge above Newport. The construction of the road severed the railway line to Tayport, ending that service.
An early morning view of the Tay Road Bridge clearly nearing completion.
A somewhat precarious view-point for these spectators. Clearly something of interest is happening below. On the bridge itself, work progresses on the decking surface.
The dual carriageway above East Newport looks complete, although there may still be work being done in the distance. The dual carriageway effectively cut off access to Windmill Park, Newport's much loved recreation area.
Tay road bridge under construction. A close up view of cranes on the decking.
A view through the tall columns at south end of the bridge, with the two very small figures giving an idea of scale.
View of bridge from above West Newport. The bridge's progress could be followed from every viewpoint in Newport.
