Extensive truss damage discovered during repairs to iconic Cleveland Bridge
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Bath’s iconic Cleveland Bridge is in a worse state than first thought, after engineers carrying out repairs discovered extensive damage to concrete trusses which support the bridge deck.
The Grade II* listed structure currently carries 17,000 vehicles a day, with a £3.8M repair programme needed to ensure its future use. Works are being undertaken by contractor Dyer & Butler.
Bath and North East Somerset Council leader Kevin Guy said: “It is a significant engineering project and being able to meet the team working on site and to look under the bridge deck at the trusses was a real eye-opener.
“Since our visit, however contractors carried out further detailed inspections which have shown the extent of the damage which is worse than identified when engineers, using ropes to access the trusses, carried out a survey last year.”
Cleveland Bridge – concrete damage
Councillor Manda Rigby, cabinet member for Transport added: “Our project team are working with the contractor to maintain our original programme, but there remains a risk that once the damaged concrete is removed, defective reinforcing bars are found.
“We do appreciate the closure causes disruption and we want to thank people for their patience. As the recent detailed survey has shown, the nature of the work meant we didn’t have any alternative but to close it.”
On top of the bridge, work is continuing to the west side of the deck removing the existing bedding and waterproofing. The bridge has been closed to motorists, access remains for pedestrians, cyclists and emergency services.
The project has been funded via the government’s highways challenge fund.
Department of Civil Engineering https://www.ibu.edu.ba/department-of-civil-engineering/
