When first attempting to develop a project that would join both banks of the Nervion at its mouth, engineer and architect Alberto de Palacio (transponative of Biscay) carried out a meticulous job. He analysed all the options available at the time:

rters mounted on rails (see photo on the left), various types of barge as well as all kinds of bridge: swing, bascule, lifting, cantilever, underwater, etc. All these varieties were rejected on technical grounds, until the final design was agreed on. Initially named Palacio Transporter Bridge, its design met all the necessary requirements:

Once the Ministry for Development gave its approval the project became a reality

The concession was granted on February 12th 1890 and taken up three months later by the newly formed society"M A De Palacio & co. "

society's first shareholders meeting Alberto de Palacio showed great enthusiasm and presented several projects that were unanimously welcomed.

Amongst these a plan was presented featuring the alteration of the crossbeam to support a high level walkway, as well as the installation of lifts that would allow pedestrians to enjoy panoramic views. , More than a century would have to elapse before the Biscay Transporter Bridge Society, current concession holder, could make those dreams come true.

Once the project was ripe and a team had been selected, construction started on April 10th 1890 on the Portugalete bank.

The original contractor Alonso disappeared tragically before he could start the building works; he was replaced with Ferdinand Arnodin.

The first steps involved a land survey. The chosen site posed some problems due to its high sand content; it had actually been a beach not many years before.

Once all the minor setbacks had been overcome, building progressed at a frantic pace. After excavation was completed, foundations were put into place that would hold the towers.

These were hoisted up section by section with the help of wooden scaffolding. A

Although all the different parts of the structure had initially been assembled with bolts, rivets were finally employed; soldering wouldn't be available until many years later.

When the towers were in place, the cable stays were fitted, followed by the crossbars that span the river. Every section was winched up to its final position from a barge floating on the water. According to the construction chronicles, this was the most complex part of the building process.

The dream was slowly becoming a reality in the eyes of the inhabitants and the building team, proudly monitored by Alberto Palacio.

The young bridge surveyed the landscape from a height never reached before, still unsuspecting of the great changes to come.

Once the main structure was completed it was time to build the gondola that would ferry passengers and cargo.

The original platform was made of timber planks, with steel reinforcements where the suspension cables were attached.

The 1890's were times of marked social differences and the bridge reflected this. The gondola was fitted out to accommodate first and second class passengers, separated by a net.

. First class ticket holders enjoyed three rows of sheltered seats on both sides of the gondola, whereas second class passengers had to share the open central section of the platform with carriages, freight and cattle.

The Biscay Transporter Bridge was not the only project for a bridge over the Nervion.

These were times of technological revolution, of a second Illustration closely connected to the industrial boom of the region.

Several projects were presented within this framework. Besides the one that concerns us, Alberto Palacio had plans for two other bridges.

The first one, identical to the one he had built, would have been situated further up the river, in the Erandio area.

The second one, named Isabel II Colossal Bridge was inspired on some of the London bridges over the Thames. With a covered span, resting on concrete arches it would have hosted exhibition halls, etc.

Pedro Maria de Merlader designed yet another contraption to join both banks of the Nervion: a swing suspension bridge. Unfortunately, the project failed to gain the necessary backing and was abandoned.

The Biscay Transporter Bridge was not the only project for a bridge over the Nervion.

. These were times of technological revolution, of a second Illustration closely connected to the industrial boom of the region.

Several projects were presented within this framework. Besides the one that concerns us, Alberto Palacio had plans for two other bridges.

The first one, identical to the one he had built, would have been situated further up the river, in the Erandio area. The second one, named Isabel II Colossal Bridge was inspired on some of the London bridges over the Thames.

The Spanish Civil War broke out in 1936, with the Bridge as witness to the cruel events that took place. Several bombings damaged it throughout the war, without serious consequences. Unfortunately, in June 1937, as enemy troops approached, the Northern Army Engineers received the order to destroy any means of crossing the Nervion in order to hinder the advance of Franco's troops.

In the early hours of June 17th 1937 an explosion destroys the bridge; the crossbar dives into the Nervion. Paradoxically, the war ends three days later on June 22nd.

On August 5th 1939 the Port Authority issued document number 3880, which approved the reconstruction plans for the Transporter Bridge.

Juan Jose Aracil, a civil engineer, would be in charge of the project, which featured certain alterations with respect to the original design.

Approval of the reconstruction project was granted under condition that specific alterations were made.

The Biscay Transporter Bridge was designed by Martin Alberto de Palacio y Elissagüe, a remarkable professional and true visionary of his time.

He lost his parents at a young age; which proved a decisive factor in his character development.

This project incorporated the latest techniques, such as wrought-iron side arches and glass domes. Soon after that he started researching his best-loved work, the Transporter Bridge.

He trusted the construction work management to an outstanding constructor, Ferdinand Arnodin, who,

, thanks to the experience gained in this assignment, was then able to participate in various other transporter bridge projects

over the world, such as the Newport Bridge.

1912. An acrobat called Mister Tebar, also known as The Human Kite, tied one end of a rope to the bridge and the other round his waist and jumped off the crossbar. He survived this daredevil feat, reaping the princely sum of 300 pesetas.

An obstinate man chose to commit suicide by jumping off the Bridge. He succeeded in killing himself at the third attempt.

1960's. A driver was enjoying a ride in his brand-new car. He drove onto the bridge gondola and put his foot on the accelerator instead of the brake pedal, with disastrous consequences. His brand-new car ended up in the bottom of the river, while he was fortunate enough to survive the embarrassing accident.

The Bridge has contributed to the graphic image of a number of products, such as an alcoholic beverage that dates back to pre-Civil War years, as well as the crossword section of PlayBoy magazine.

The Bridge has also featured in a number of films. Could you tell us which ones?

If you'd like to contribute to this section, please e-mail us at anecdotas@dominio.es