The bridge awaiting repair and repainting
Work to refurbish Meole Brace Footbridge in Shrewsbury is progressing well.
The footbridge – which crosses the Rea Brook between Meole Brace roundabout and The Brooklands pub – was removed on 20 June and taken away for refurbishment – with a temporary (blue) footbridge now in place.
The temporary bridge that is now in place
The refurbishment work includes repainting the bridge in Shrewsbury Town’s blue and amber colours – plus installing new timber decking, and constructing terraced concrete steps on the downstream left embankment to provide safer access for inspectors.
The structure has now been cleaned in preparation for the brand-new colour scheme. However, during the blasting process a number of defects to the steel hidden underneath the paint were uncovered and these defects are now being repaired as part of this scheme.
Defects have been found underneath the paint
This additional work may cause delay to the date the bridge is put back in place, but the council is working closely with our designers and construction team, to minimise the delay, whilst also ensuring the longevity of the structure.
This refurbishment work will extend the lifespan of the existing structure, which is more cost and environmentally effective than erecting a new structure during each planned maintenance cycle.
The bridge being removed and taken away
By installing the hired temporary footbridge, Shropshire council have been able to achieve the following benefits.
- High quality of work. Refurbishing the structure in an indoor controlled environment allows for higher quality workmanship and time frames.
- Cost. The rental cost of a temporary bridge as opposed to scaffolding, on top of reduced timescale of the works has resulted in an overall cost reduction for the scheme.
- Environmental. By lifting the bridge out, and refurbishing away from the watercourse, there is a reduction in flood risk and an elimination of risk of construction material entering the brook.
- Maintained existing pedestrian route. The temporary footbridge, has allowed us to minimise the impact on local pedestrians, and adjacent traffic over the road bridge.
