"The most interesting and novel features in connection with the earlier stages of the work was probably the construction of and piers by the . ... Each pier has at its base a diameter of 70 feet, and is built with a sufficient to reduce it to 49 at the level of the . From low water each pier is faced with granite averaging 2 feet in thickness. Below this point is a solid mass of concrete covering the 70 feet area already mentioned. The interior of these piers is composed of Arbroath stone set in cement. At the level of coping a course of granite forms the surface of each pier, through which project 48 steel bolts 2½ inches in diameter, extending downwards to a depth of 24 feet, where they are secured by washer plates designed for the purpose."