Dyer & Butler, a part of M Group Services Transport Division, has secured a £3.8m project to deliver major structural refurbishment works on a Grade II listed structure, Cleveland Bridge in Bath.
The programme of refurbishment works will include repairs to the concrete truss and strengthening of the concrete deck, as well as the refurbishment and repainting of the bridge’s original cast iron arches and parapets. The structural work undertaken will also include waterproofing and resurfacing works, the repair of damage and conservation of the structure to maintain the bridge’s structural integrity and heritage values
Cleveland Bridge, first built in 1826 for horse drawn vehicles and pedestrians to access the city of Bath, is now a crucial link in the strategic road network between the A46 and A36, carrying 17,000 vehicles every day. Surveys on the bridge have revealed that despite routine maintenance, the bridge now needs extensive major structural repairs.
Simon White, Dyer & Butler Highways Director, commented: “We are delighted to have been appointed to deliver this important project on such a historically and strategically significant structure. Bath & North East Somerset Council’s investment will serve to extend the life of the bridge and its fabric, maintaining its heritage significance and its traffic and accessibility function for the city of Bath. Together with the Council, we will engage closely with the local community to ensure that this critical repair work is completed with as little impact on residents and road users as possible.”
Councillor Joanna Wright and Councillor Neil Butters, joint cabinet members forTransport Services at Bath & North East Somerset Council, said: “It is essential we maintain this strategic transport route as it is vital to maintaining a thriving local economy. We have been working with the appointed contractor Dyer & Butler to come up with safe ways of working on the bridge while still enabling pedestrians, cyclists and emergency vehicles to get across. As well as this, we are looking at temporary changes to some roads with a view to mitigating the impact of the road closure.”
Essential maintenance on the Cleveland Bridge has been timed to start after the launch of the Clean Air Zone in Bath which launches on March 15 2021.
The work undertaken on the bridge is being funded through the Government’s Highways Challenge Fund and is expected to take seven months to complete.
