Porthill footbridge in Shrewsbury to reopen early

Porthill footbridge, which crosses the River Severn in Shrewsbury, is due to reopen this Thursday evening (12 July 2012) – more than a week ahead of schedule – following extensive work to repair and refurbish the bridge. 

The work has involved carrying out repairs to the bridge’s structural steelwork, grit blasting and repainting the whole bridge and replacing the bridge’s timber deck.  To enable work to be carried out, the bridge has also been completely encased in complex scaffolding. 

The ferry service which has been operated by Sabrina Boat since the bridge closed in March 2012 will finish on Thursday evening. 

Simon Jones, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member responsible for bridge maintenance, said: 

‘‘This was essential work which needed to be carried out to enable the bridge to remain open in the long-term.  I’m really pleased that, despite the wet spring, the bridge will be reopened a week ahead of schedule.” 

Andrew Bannerman, Shropshire Councillor for Quarry and Coton Hill, said:

“This is excellent news for this busy pedestrian and cycle route.  Finishing the work on time and budget, and in this weather, is a great achievement and my thanks go to all concerned.” 

Until the bridge is reopened, pedestrians and cyclists will continue to be diverted over the Welsh Bridge. 

The refurbishment work has been carried out by McPhillips (Wellington) Ltd, who were supervised by Shropshire Council’s term contract consultant, Mouchel.  It is estimated that the completed work will cost approximately £575,000. 

The bridge was originally scheduled to be reopened on 20 July 2012.