Essential bridge repairs force closure of Broad Bridge near Stableford from 30 July

Essential bridge repairs requiring the closure of Broad Bridge, near Stableford, which carries the B4176 (‘rabbit run’) over the River Worfe, will commence on Monday 30 July 2018.

Broad Bridge is a Grade II listed three-span masonry arch bridge built from sandstone. The bridge parapet was extensively damaged in late November 2017 after a heavy goods vehicle struck the upstream parapet of the bridge resulting in severe damage to the bridge spandrel and parapet. Temporary concrete barriers were erected in early December 2017 and have remained in place since, together with single lane traffic light control.

The proposed repair works will involve rebuilding the upstream parapet using predominantly new stone and repairs to the cutwaters. Indent repairs to the upstream and downstream elevation with localised indent repairs to the downstream parapet using reclaimed stone. General repointing of the structure in lime mortar. Installation of a fibre reinforced concrete saddle over the structure, waterproofing and resurfacing of the carriageway over the bridge.

Unfortunately in order to carry out the proposed works safety it will be necessary to close the bridge to vehicular traffic. The work is expected to last for up to 12 to 14 weeks.

When the bridge is closed traffic will be diverted  from the B4176 up to the Rudge Heath island on to the A454 then A458 back in to Bridgnorth and on to the A442 heading towards Sutton Maddock Island and back on to the B4176 towards Stableford up to the bridge closure and vice versa.

We wish to reassure local residents that the council will monitor through traffic and any local “rat running” along the back roads during the initial weeks of the closure and we will look to implement any mitigation measures considered necessary, working with the local parish councils and communities to alleviate any concerns raised.

We can also confirm that whilst the B4176 is closed we will work collaboratively with the Bridgnorth highways divisional office to undertake essential highway patching works (machine laid) along sections of the closure to minimise future delays and disruption.

Access over the bridge for pedestrians and dismounted cyclists will remain available throughout the works, but as works progress no access will be available when works are being carried out over the bridge arches to install the concrete saddles and waterproofing membrane.

We confirm that regular updates on progress and dates for carriageway works will be made available on a weekly basis through the council’s wesite which will have a dedicated roadworks page for the B4176 and Broad Bridge works at http://shropshire.gov.uk/broad-bridge-stableford.

Steve Davenport, Shropshire Council’s Cabinet member for highways and transport, said:-

“The road closure is required to carry out essential programmed maintenance and accident damage repairs to the carriageway and bridge. Significant disruption, particularly during peak times throughout the day, is expected and road users are being advised to seek alternative routes, wherever possible, and allow additional journey times. The nature of these works are such that traffic congestion will be unavoidable and inevitable on the diversion route, but the council will be working collaboratively with all stakeholders and its appointed contractors to ensure the works minimise delays to all road users.”

The contractor carrying out the works on behalf of Shropshire Council will be the Kier, with supervision being provided by WSP.