Haugsund bro

Haugsund bridge is a so-called "arch suspension bridge" designed by engineer lieutenant Bergh, and is the first bridge of its kind in Norway. Builder Malling in Kristiania has prepared the detailed drawings together with Bergh. The work was not put away on a piecemeal basis. County Commissioner GP Blom stated on the occasion of a proposal to this effect: "It is completely unjustifiable to let the work be done by tender. It is the first bridge in this country built according to this design, and no one who has experience of its construction asks for it; a technical expertise is challenged, which is not found in ordinary contractors. The construction is challenged to be executed so precisely that any deviation from this can lead to the destruction of the bridge. There will probably not be a lack of bidders who had enough courage; in the hope of advantage, to undertake a work they do not understand; but the public cannot be served by getting hard work for expensive payment, and a bond for such a sum, which would be sufficient to cover the municipality's loss in the event of unsuccessful work, will hardly be able to be obtained. The work was initiated at the county's expense under the leadership of timber master Bjørn Olsen in Drammen. Builder Malling was chief supervisor, AM Barth was treasurer and Borger Hoen, John H. Aass and Peder T. Dramdal were appointed as supervisory committee. The bridge was built during 1852 and 53 and cost 14,162 spd when fully completed. - NOK 56,648 and was therefore NOK 1,852 cheaper than estimated.

The bridge is 192 meters long and 4.85 meters wide. It consists of 10 spans. The woodwork was of fine timber. It is built from tyri planks, which are known to be extremely durable. It was supposed to be a miniature version of the bridge for the jubilee exhibition last year, but there was no time. At Kristiania technical school, however, there is a fully accurate miniature version of the bridge.