An Isle of Wight railway bridge that is almost 150 years old is to be demolished as it has been deemed unsafe.
Bridge 12, which was constructed in around 1875, crosses the heritage line between Havenstreet and Wootton. It was built to allow a local landowner the cross the line, however, the land on either side of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway’s track is now in separate ownership and the railway has no obligation to maintain a link.
Over the last 35 years, the structure has required considerable time and money in maintenance, and in 1990 the Wootton section had to be closed to traffic to enable urgent repairs.
Until the extension to Smallbrook, Bridge 12 was the only bridge crossing the line and therefore has historical significance both to the line and the Steam Railway. Despite this significance, the decision has been made to demolish the bridge due to the continuing issues being experienced, in particular ground movement, and the costs of repairing and maintaining the structure.
It was estimated that repairs would cost in the region of £100,000 and a full replacement in the region of £350,000.
The demolition works are due to take place this Winter and will see the level of the trackbed raised slightly to help with water saturation in the area.
A ‘dormouse crossing’ will be maintained, but temporarily removed during the works.
Peter Taylor, Chairman of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, has said:
“Over the last two years, the board has carefully considered all options and sought professional advice. It was clear that none of the proposed repairs would act a permanent solution, and that the bridge would continue to require significant ongoing investment.
“The history and heritage aspects of Bridge 12 were very much in directors minds when evaluating the way forward. As one of the line’s original structures, there was naturally a hope that this aspect of the line’s heritage could be preserved. Nevertheless we recognise that the bridge is in poor condition and has been subject to many repairs over the years which have reduced how much of the bridge is original and altered its appearance. As trustees we felt that there were better uses of the charity’s funds, and that dismantling the bridge was ultimately in the best long-term interests of the Railway.
“Taking the decision to dismantle part of the line’s infrastructure was not taken lightly. As directors and trustees of the railway we needed to carefully weigh up the heritage, financial and safety implications. We’re fortunate the rest of the line’s bridges are in good condition, however Bridge 12 has long been problematic and deteriorated to the point where we can’t ignore its condition. In the first instance we will ensure that Bridge 12 is properly recorded by photographing and laser-scanning the structure, to act as a permanent record”.
That’s a shame but makes sense.
Makes sense just wish the council would use common sense like this when it comes to repairing the floating bridge instead of spending millions on it
Hopefully a lot of the old bricks can be saved and maybe re-used in projects at the Steam Railway?
Would have been nice to see track to be running back like the old days then we could have taken some cars off roads and also buses. We might not have so many potholes in roads which unfortunately island roads don’t seem to be repairing and are dangerous..
That is a real shame, a beautiful arched bridge.