A programme of work designed to protect bridges and retaining walls across the Isle of Wight from erosion is nearing completion, with the final scheme set to get underway in Freshwater later this month.
Island Roads has been carrying out preventative maintenance to protect structures from ‘scour’ – the erosion of soil, gravel, sand and other masonry caused by flowing water around bridge foundations, walls and culverts.
If left untreated, scour can weaken foundations and other parts of structures over time and, in the most serious cases, lead to collapse.
Work has been undertaken at Muggleton Bridge near Brighstone, Gunville Bridge, Kingates Lane Bridge near Whitwell, St George’s Way Bridge in Newport and the wall above Lukley Brook in Carisbrooke.
The final scheme will involve work to the wall beside Brookside Road in Freshwater and is due to begin on 21st August, lasting for 2 weeks.
Work has been tailored to each location and has included maintenance to bridge supports and walls, alongside erosion protection for riverbanks.
Luke Ward, Projects Manager at Island Roads, has said:
“This programme of proactive maintenance is vitally important to protect the Island’s highway infrastructure.
Article continues below this advertisement “Scour is one of the leading causes of bridge failure worldwide, so identifying and proactively addressing issues early helps ensure our structures remain safe and resilient for the future.”
The programme has also provided hands-on experience for Scott Beasley, a placement student studying Civil Engineering at the University of Surrey, who has helped develop and deliver the schemes under the supervision of Island Roads’ structures team.
Scott has said:
“This has been a hugely valuable experience for my degree.
“I’ve experienced first-hand the practical aspects of bridge and retaining wall maintenance from inspections and condition assessments through to developing repair solutions and overseeing construction activities on site.”
As all of the locations are designated ‘main rivers’, the works have been carried out under Environment Agency permits or exemptions.
Specialist ecological support has been provided throughout, with fish, eels, ducks and moorhens observed at various locations. Working practices were adapted where necessary to protect wildlife.
Island Roads says efforts have also been made to minimise disruption to residents and road users, with temporary traffic lights used only during off-peak hours where possible.
Pedestrian and cycle access was maintained at Muggleton Bridge, allowing the popular round-the-Island cycle route to remain open.
The programme is being delivered in partnership with DDGA Ltd and environmental consultants E3S Ltd as part of Island Roads’ ongoing inspection and preventative maintenance programme.
