www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Bridge Maintenance
The Highway Authority is responsible for the safety of its bridges and therefore a comprehensive inspection programme is undertaken on a two year cycle.
The inspection process records the condition of the bridge and assists in prioritising repairs to be carried out as part of the routine maintenance programme. All incidents of damage through vehicle collision, storm damage or other causes are investigated as soon as possible.
The Bridge Management Team also advise and assist the Rights of Way wardens with the maintenance and replacement of bridges on public footpaths, bridleways and byways.
Two bridges in Bradford-on-Avon, both Ancient Monuments, which are of particular historic interest are the Town Bridge with it’s unusual lock-up and Barton Farm Bridge which is thought to be of medieval origin.
Repairs to one of the downstream river training walls of the Town Bridge have recently been carried out. Barton Farm is currently undergoing major refurbishment. As much of the original stonework as possible is being retained, but where necessary perished and eroded masonry blocks are individually cut out and new replacement stone shaped and fixed by hand.
Existing bat roosts in cracks and crevices are being replaced by specially cut blocks which have a slit on the face opening out into a cavity within the block. The bridge is very carefully being cleaned and small cracks filled with lime mortar rather then modern cement mortar. The programme commenced in September 2003 and will be completed by the end of October 2004.
One of the largest bridges in the county, Challeymead Bridge over the River Avon on the western fringe of Melksham, has recently undergone major maintenance and been repainted.
Contact Details
By Post
Highway Improvements
Environmental Services
Wiltshire
County Council
County Hall
Bythesea Road
Trowbridge
Wiltshire
BA14
8JN
By Email
By Telephone
01225 713000
By Fax
01225 713400
By Hand
This can be either County Hall or via the contact point in Salisbury Library
Opening Hours
Monday to Friday 9am - 5pm
