First stage of long term repair of Powick Old Bridge to begin next week

Ahead of the works starting, there will be a complete closure of the parking area next to Hams Way Bridge, to allow the team to establish an access route from the parking area to the bridge. The Public Right of Way, at Hams Way Bridge, is being diverted.

From Monday 29 July, the team will begin to establish the compound ahead of the creation of the working platform on the upstream side of the river.

The purpose of the working platform is to safeguard the collapsed area of the wingwall from further damage, and to allow the arch and abutment to be properly inspected.

Recognising the important historic nature and originality of the structure, it will also protect the damaged section from losing more material, and add support to the whole structure before the main repairs begin.

The temporary works will be followed by detailed design of a permanent reconstruction, which will require further approvals ahead of final works next year.

The temporary platform will prevent water from entering the arch so that work can take place, and if the river does flood water will be diverted over the top of the platform.

This approach will also lead to a large proportion of the original stonework being reclaimed from the river bed. The wing wall will need to be completely taken down as part of the repair process, however, the rebuild will use as much of the initial stone and brick as possible.  

Councillor Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport said: “I’m delighted that the first phase of repair work is about to start on Powick Old Bridge.  Hopefully the installation of the temporary platform will reassure people that we are working hard to reinstate the bridge to its former glory. The platform will protect the damaged section of the bridge from losing more material and prevent water from entering the arch so restoration work can take place.”  

“We are working alongside partners, including the Environment Agency and Historic England, to ensure we are able to repair the bridge in a way that doesn’t compromise the look of the structure. There isn’t a quick fix, this restoration will take time and patience to ensure that all work is carried out with the consideration that such an important bridge deserves.”

It’s hoped that the arch can be saved due to its historical significance, however, to further understand the extent of the damage the arch will need to be supported.  

This will require an additional temporary platform downstream of the river.  There may be a need to build a steel A-Frame which will then allow the arch to be reinforced so that the bridge can be fully inspected to enable repairs to commence.

It has taken time to get to this point as originally access was limited due to flooding and since then, there has been substantial engagement with key partners.  

This includes Natural England, as the structure is within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Historic England due to the important nature of the structure, the Environment Agency due to river impacts, as well as several specialist contractors. The design for the temporary works is as complicated as the permanent repair works.

You can follow the latest news on the County Council’s Powick Bridge webpage.