What needs repairing?
The bridge – which is nearly 100 years old and based on a Victorian design – has occasionally been unable to slot back into place after being swung. When this has occurred, the bridge cannot be used, with the road closed to vehicles. Our engineers and contractors have investigated the cause of the problems and are undertaking this work to bring the bridge back into operation.
The work comes at a time the waterways we cares for are facing challenges from more extreme weather, driven by a changing climate, affecting the ageing infrastructure, and from a recently announced cut in future funding from the government.
Minimising disruption
Neil D'Arcy, our principal engineer, said: “We believe the small but potentially catastrophic shift in the alignment of the structure could be corrected by swinging the bridge back and forth several times. This essential work is being carried out at night to minimise disruption to traffic and there will be no effect on river navigation. Traffic diversions will be in place and we have organised contractors to be on hand just in case the bridge fails to swing shut again and emergency action is required to modify the structure. We hope this solution will solve the issue, and we apologise for any inconvenience this causes.”
We are also hoping to undertake advance works to the footway in the next few weeks, which will also require a temporary closure.
