The Fitzgerald Bridge (also known as the Bund Garden Bridge) is an historic structure located in Pune, India. It was constructed in 1867 during the British India period. [1] It was the first spandrel arch bridge in the city of Pune, connecting the Bund Garden to the Chima garden.
Fitzgerald Bridge | |
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Coordinates | 18°32′36″N 73°53′06″E / 18.5433°N 73.8849°E |
Named for | William Robert Vesey Fitzgerald |
History | |
Designer | Captain Robert S. Sellon |
Constructed by | Royal Engineers |
Construction end | circa 1867 |
Location | |
The bridge crosses the Mula-Mutha River.[1] It features a representation of a Medici lion at each end of the bridge. The bridge was designed and constructed by Captain Robert S. Sellon of the Royal Engineers.[2] It was built for the sum of ₹ 2 lakh. The Bridge is named for the Governor of Bombay at the time, Sir William Robert Vesey Fitzgerald.[3]
By 2013, the two lane masonry arch bridge has over lived its design life span. A new four lane bridge was to replace the structure, with the new bridge to be named after Babasaheb Ambedkar.[citation needed]
There were plans to demolish the bridge but finally it was closed for vehicular traffic and converted into a space for arts and artisans.
References
edit- ^ a b Lohakare, Harshal (19 November 2011). "New bridge at Yerawada to open soon". The Times of India-Pune. Pune. Retrieved 18 May 2015.
- ^ Fitzgerald Bridge (Plaque on bridge). Pune: Royal Engineers. 1868.
- ^ "Virasat Pune, Fitzgerald Bridge". Virasat Pune. 2011. Archived from the original on 8 November 2016. Retrieved 18 May 2015.