Iant Harnen

A marvel to behold, the Iant Harnen (S. ''Harnen Bridge") numbered among the greatest surviving engineering works of the Númenóreans.Having been over five miles long, it carried the Hyarmentie 100 feet above the Harnen river valley. It was broken into two neatly equal segments by a short plateau that rose from the valley floor. The Harnen was split by this plateau, so its waters flowed under portions of each bridge segment. The massive scale of the bridge reflected the need for an elevated roadway during the annual flooding which the Vale of Harnen experienced. The Iant Harnen's elliptical arch spans measured 130 feet across and were supported by piers 20 feet wide and 150 feet long, tapered to resist the Harnen's flow. The approaches to each end ot the bridge were guarded by twin citadels, Tiriant Forn and Tiriant Harn and a small fort, Tiras Harnen, was located on the plateau. The bridge was built of granite, but a variety very high in quartz, so that in the sun it glittered and shone.

Referenced

 * MERP:Southern Gondor: The Land