Photos by john barker : on the map, in Google Earth (KML)

john barker's conversations

christine 43 said:

I grew up in sutton bridge, thank you for the lovely pictures, they brought back great memories for me. I would love to hear from anyone who would like to share memories of sutton bridge and the area. chrissie412002@yahoo.com.

thank you. Betty


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john barker said:

I worked on the bridge from 1961 until 2001. It was built by the Midland and Great Northern Railway Company (M&GN) opening 18th July 1897. The rail ceased to cross over bridge to Kings Lynn on the 28th February 1959. The rail side was converted to road opening Jan 1964. The operating personnel remained under the railway until May 1967 when they were transferred to Lincolnshire County Council. The bridge still remained under the control of The Department of Transport who provided the money for its costings. It is still manned on a shift system, due to the rotating tides, twice a day, seven days a week. Cargo shipping passing through to the port of Wisbech, some seven miles by water. This is greatly reduced from the peak of 350 to 400 vessels a year in the 60's - 70's to approx 60 to 70 a year present day. There has been a large increase in private yachts using the river since the buildingh of a mariner at Wisbech. This shipping is increasing.


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