Major repairs on historic Bubwith Bridge reach halfway stage

The 15-week scheme on Bubwith Bridge, delivering emergency repair and strengthening works to the structure, got underway in July after the stone bridge, which carries the A163 over the River Derwent, was hit by a car in September 2022, causing significant damage to the headwall and parapet.

The work recently came under fire as business owners said they fear they may not survive for much longer due to the road closure and the diversions in place.

"We've had our worst trading week in years this week. If this continues we won't be here for much longer," said Louise Smith, owner of the Jug and Bottle at Bubwith.

Esh Construction is delivering the project on behalf of East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

Steven Garrigan, divisional director for Esh Construction’s civil engineering division, said: “We are pleased with progress to date and remain on schedule. 

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“We understand the strain the closure of the bridge is having on the local area and as such made a commitment to procure local suppliers and sub-contractors where possible to do so given the specialist nature of some of the trades required. I am delighted to report that more than half of the contract value has been re-invested within 20 miles of the site. 

“While we have overcome any obstacles so far to allow us to remain on programme, we would like to remind everyone that the risk of uncovering further structural issues still remains high, but we are working collaboratively with East Riding of Yorkshire Council to ensure they are fully informed every step of the way.”

The bridge was damaged during a car crash last year (Image: Supplied)

The first phase of works saw the installation of an encapsulated scaffold which allowed grit blasting, steel girder reinforcement and masonry repairs to the parapets to be carried out safely.  

At the half way point, masonry repairs which include the use of steel staples to pin the stonework together for additional strength are now complete and the steel girders have been refurbished.  

The next critical phase will see specialist vacuum excavation works undertaken to remove the fill from the eastern and western bridge arches, this will allow steel anchors and concrete infill to be installed to further strengthen the structure. 

Adam Holmes, director of infrastructure and facilities at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “We are pleased with the progress of the repair and strengthening works on this bridge project. 

“We’d like to thank Esh Construction for being so accommodating with its work schedules to help speed up this work so we could plan for the bridge to be reopened sooner, and for its support of local businesses during this scheme.” 

Additional work to be delivered in the coming weeks includes the installation of a vehicle restraint system to prevent any future damage of a similar nature, as well as kerbing, ducting, surfacing and road marking. 

Originally built in 1798 and a Grade II listed structure, all repairs undertaken are sympathetic to the existing bridge and its surroundings.  

The project is due to complete at the end of October 2023.