Broad Bridge near Stableford, Bridgnorth – update following HGV collision

Broad Bridge after being struck by an HGV this morning.

Broad Bridge (Bridge No. B4330) on the B4176 near Stableford, Bridgnorth is a three span Grade II Listed structure with a priority single lane traffic system over the structure. The bridge comprises sandstone arches, abutments, piers, spandrels, wingwalls and parapets.

At around 4am this morning (Tuesday 28 November 2017) a large HGV hit the bridge and has completely demolished the upstream parapet of the bridge. The lorry has rolled off the carriageway and down the embankment, landing on its side (see pictures). We believe that the HGV has not yet been recovered.

For more information about the incident please visit the Shropshire Fire Service website.

The road is still closed and a local diversion is in place, whilst council engineers and contractors arrange for concrete barriers to be installed to safeguard the unprotected edge of the bridge and install temporary traffic light control.

As the bridge is listed Shropshire Council’s historic environment team will need to be consulted before repair work can begin. We will also need to procure new stone to match the existing stone that has been damaged.

The remedial works will be done in Spring 2018 due to the statutory consents required, the procurement of materials and because working with lime mortar is not suited to cold, freezing and wet conditions. We will provide an update nearer the time when works are planned to start on site.

The cost of the parapet repair is estimated to be around £50,000 and will be recoverable from the vehicle owner’s insurance company.

For more information  about how we inspect and maintain Shropshire’s bridges and structures, click here to see our blog and video.