Islanders are up in arms about the work being carried out by Island Roads at Wootton Bridge, with a replacement wall being deemed as ‘out of character’ and ‘odd’ – but Island Roads are yet to respond to the criticism.
For several weeks locals have been commenting on the ongoing works via the Isle of Wight Heritage Group, expressing their anger, upset and disgust at the new ‘garden wall’ that has appeared on the south side of the bridge, with similar work now being undertaken to the north side.
Until November the bridge had stood near enough the same for well over 100 years, but history has been lost with the demolition of the bridge parapets. The replacement, which is made of modern bricks in a simple design, has upset many.
It had previously been said by Island Roads that the work being undertaken would be ‘sympathetic and meet national standards’.
One Islander commented:
“If that was your 200-year-old house you wouldn’t be allowed to deviate from the original, so why can they?”
Island Roads were approached by Island Echo to comment on the situation on Wednesday 6th January, but 10 days later and the PFI contractor have yet to issue a statement to any Island media, which must be approved by the Isle of Wight Council first.
UPDATE TUESDAY: Island Roads have issued a statement regarding the works at Wootton Bridge.
A spokesperson said:
“We have taken great care to, wherever possible, reflect the original design of Wootton Bridge. All current requirements and industry standards have been met and guidance followed in designing the replacement parapets.
“It has to be remembered that the original bridge was constructed at a time when there were no motor vehicles. The previous parapets were simply not tall or robust enough to meet modern safety requirements.
“Attempts to replicate the original balustrades were considered impractical, not least because they would have had to be constructed behind modern safety barriers. This would also have required major modification of the site, including highway widening, which would have led to significant delays in re-opening the bridge to all traffic.
“The new parapets must be suitable and effective for a busy main road carrying high volumes of traffic of all types including HGVs and abnormal loads. As part of the Highways PFI Contract, Island Roads are responsible for ensuring that all parapets are compliant with the requirements of the design documents TD 19 (and IAN 97), of the Design Manual for Roads and Bridges (DMRB). This includes the guidance that structures with ‘smooth’ faced parapet walls are needed at locations such as this, as open balustrades are not suitable in terms of containing vehicles within the highway network. TD 19 is a national document covering all types of highway including motorways and trunk roads. Because of the largely rural nature of the Island’s network, Island Roads has also developed, and gained the necessary approval for, an in-house risk assessment for existing parapet systems. This process has been used at Wootton Bridge to determine the need for an upgraded parapet.
“Many of the original bricks had been replaced over time due to repairs, in some cases using an unsympathetic choice of materials. The new bricks, however, have been sourced to try to match the original ones. The new parapets will weather over time and the coping stones, which will be installed shortly, will match those used on the previous parapet. All of the original bricks have been removed from site and are now the property of the sub-contractor.
“The repair and strengthening of the arches underneath is being undertaken with only minimal changes to the original brickwork. In addition, timber-faced safety barriers, rather than steel, will be used on the approaches to both reduce their visual impact and ensure the new structure is in keeping with the original. Furthermore the original boundary marker stone, which had fallen into disrepair over many years, has been replicated and will be reintroduced at this location when work is complete.
“The new design and materials were shared with the local community at the exhibition held in Wootton prior to work starting. Details of the scheme have also been shared with the AONB, the Isle of Wight Council, the local parish councils, the Environment Agency, Fishbourne Harbour Master, Natural England and the Marine Management Organisation”.
