A PLAN of repairs has been announced after a medieval bridge central to Worcester's history suffered a partial collapse but a transport boss warns there is 'no quick fix'.
The first stage of long term repair of Powick Old Bridge is to begin later this summer after it suffered a partial collapse at the end of January.
Famous for its role in both the first and last battles of the English Civil War (the Battle of Powick Bridge in 1642 and the Battle of Worcester in 1651), the scheduled monument is considered an integral part of the city's and county's history and heritage.
HOLE: A hole has also opened in Powick Old Bridge (Image: James Connell/Newsquest) A temporary ramp will be installed from the footway into the river channel, and a working platform created on the upstream side of the river, Worcestershire County Council has confirmed.
The purpose of the working platform is to safeguard the collapsed area of the wingwall from further damage, and to allow the arch and abutment to be properly inspected.
Recognising the important historic nature and originality of the structure, it will also protect the damaged section from losing more 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 ahead of final works next year.
FLASHBACK: Powick Old Bridge shortly after the partial collapse on January 31 (Image: Newsquest)
The temporary platform 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.
This approach will also lead to a large proportion of the original stonework being reclaimed from the river bed.
The wing wall will need to be completely taken down as part of the repair process, however, the rebuild will use as much of the initial stone and brick as possible.
Councillor Marc Bayliss, Worcestershire County Council’s Cabinet Member with Responsibility for Highways and Transport, said: “We are extremely mindful of the significance of Powick Old bridge and are determined to treat it with the care and attention that such a key historic structure deserves.
RECOMMENDED READING: Powick Old Bridge collapse response branded 'underwhelming'
RECOMMENDED READING: Powick Old Bridge collapse: heritage champion is 'troubled'
"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.
“We are working alongside partners, including the Environment Agency and Historic England, to ensure we are able to repair the bridge in a way that doesn’t compromise the look of the structure. There isn’t a quick fix, this restoration will take time and patience to ensure that all work is carried out with the consideration that such an important bridge deserves.”
It’s hoped that the arch can be saved due to its historical significance, however, to further understand the extent of the damage the arch will need to be supported. This will require an additional temporary platform downstream of the river. There may be a need to build a steel A-Frame which will then allow the arch to be reinforced so that the bridge can be fully inspected to enable repairs to commence.
It has taken time to get to this point as originally access was limited due to flooding and since then, there has been substantial engagement with key partners.
This includes Natural England, as the structure is within a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI), Historic England due to the important nature of the structure, the Environment Agency due to river impacts, as well as several specialist contractors. The design for the temporary works is as complicated as the permanent repair works.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel