The Blaauwkrantz bridge.

Abstract

• Opsomming: Die voltooiing van die Blaauwkrantzbrug in 1884 was 'n belangrike skakel in die spoorverbinding tussen Grahamstad en Port Alfred. Hoewel die spoorlyn tot groot voordeel van die boere in die gebied en die sakelui van Grahamstad en Port Alfred was, was dit nie 'n finansiële sukses vir die private maatskappy wat dit gebou het nie. Die oorspronklike Blaauwkrantzbrug kon later nie meer die groter verkeer en swaarder rollende materiaal dra nie en is in 1928 met 'n nuwe struktuur vervang. Die ou brug word nogtans onthou weens 'n treinramp wat in April 1911 daarop plaasgevind het en waarin agt-en-twintig mense die lewe gelaat het.

• Summary: 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.