THE FIRST stage of the repair of Powick Old Bridge in Worcester has began today (Monday).
The team will establish the compound ahead of the creation of the working platform on the upstream side of the river.
The working platform will safeguard the collapsed area of the wingwall from further damage, allowing the arch and abutment to be properly inspected.
It will also protect the damaged section from losing more original material, and add support to the whole structure before the main repairs begin.
The temporary works will be followed by detailed design of a permanent reconstruction, which will require further approvals before final works next year.
It will prevent water from entering the arch so that work can take place, and if the river does flood water will be diverted over the top of the platform.
The wing wall will need to be taken down, and the rebuild will use as much of the initial stone and brick as possible, which will be collected from the riverbed.
Coun Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire County Council’s cabinet member with responsibility for highways and transport said: “I’m delighted that the first phase of repair work is about to start on Powick Old Bridge.
“Hopefully the installation of the temporary platform will reassure people that we are working hard to reinstate the bridge to its former glory.
“The platform will protect the damaged section of the bridge from losing more material and prevent water from entering the arch so restoration work can take place.”
