In 2003, Bill had a large part of his pancreas removed, in an operation that ten years earlier would have been impossible. While “convalescing”, he designed and led construction of an unusual bridge. Off-site construction methods meant final build could be be undertaken in about an hour, and without centring. Careful design and use of jigs meant even the off-site work could be undertaken using domestic tools and enthusiastic but non-professional labour.

Bridge of the Month 142 is Bill Harvey himself, in the form of a short autobiography written by Bill a few months ago. This concentrates on the personal and family side of his life, which will be less familiar to BoM readers than his professional achievements. The latter are also more likely to be covered elsewhere.

This simple little bridge is typical of John Rennie’s efforts. A slightly closer look is worthwhile.

Wade's bridge, Aberfeldy is where my interest in arches was kindled in 1981/2 so this is a 40 year review.

Part of a demolished bridge showing an unexpected construction.

I got to a bridge slated for filling to see what state it was really in. I know lots of bridge owners who wish their best were as good.

Great Musgrave has been filled with crushed rock and foamed concrete. Sigh.

Looking back a long time to these two railway viaducts I visited in 2001

Staverton, a mediaeval bridge near Dartington.

This little bridge at Torksey was tested to collapse in November 1986. Here I present my view of the test.

Preston was the third of the test series done by TRL in the 1980s. It has a lot to tell us.

Another causeway, this time across the Culm flood plain. Including some remarkably flat mediaeval arches.

Causeways across flood plains are an ancient thing. Around Exeter we have two that I have never looked at closely so here goes.

Another bridge scheduled for infilling. This one is rather pretty and treasured by the neighbours.

A Brunel flying arch in Devizes which Highways agency, Highways England, National Highways want to infill.

This little bridge in Paisley has three spans providing two footways and what is now a rather narrow road. It is skewed at 60 degrees and may have been designed by Joseph Locke.

This little bridge is almost a tunnel. It cuts diagonally through a railway embankment. The skew ends are giving trouble and it has broken its back.

Cannington viaduct is mass concrete. with precast voussoirs. It stands high behind the cliffs west of Lyme Regis and served a light railway link from Axminster.

The bridge at Merry Harriers (a pub, of course) was washed out in a flood in 2013. I took these photos, which give a lovely insight into construction, on a brief site visit.

This simple late railway bridge has a serious lesson for engineers.