Construction of Roker Pier began in 1885. Although the site foundation was natural rock it was covered in sand which needed to be removed. The sand was removed by suction facilities on board the vessel , aptly named " The Sandrail".
Dry mix concrete was lowered onto the rock bed in 56 ton and 116 ton bags to set making up the foundation to a level just above low tide mark. Then granite block were laid using a radial crane.
This huge hydraulic 290 ton crane helped lay the foundation blocks for the pier on top of the natural rock outcrop.
A feature in sunderlands skyline until September 1903, some 18 years later, when this magnificent breakwater was completed with the final bill reaching £290,000.
Dry mix concrete was lowered onto the rock bed in 56 ton and 116 ton bags to set making up the foundation to a level just above low tide mark. Then granite block were laid using a radial crane.
The tunnel which runs through
the pier can be clearly seen
in this photograph.
the pier can be clearly seen
in this photograph.
This huge hydraulic 290 ton crane helped lay the foundation blocks for the pier on top of the natural rock outcrop.
A feature in sunderlands skyline until September 1903, some 18 years later, when this magnificent breakwater was completed with the final bill reaching £290,000.
