www.wiltshire.gov.uk
Roads - bridge strengthening - additional information
On January 1st 1999 the maximum allowable vehicle weight increased from 38 to 41 tonnes and the maximum allowable axle weight from 10.5 to 11.5 tonnes. Bridges built in previous centuries are being expected to support loads that they were not designed to carry.
Over the last few years all Wiltshire’s bridges with a span exceeding 1.5 metres have been assessed to establish their ability to carry these increased loads..It is encouraging that over two thirds of the County’s bridges meet the requirements but a significant number do not. A programme for strengthening or replacing sub-standard bridges is underway with bridges on principal routes, which attract the highest number of heavy vehicles, being strengthened first. Bridges waiting in the list are being monitored to detect any deterioration in their condition.
The following bridges are programmed for major strengthening, refurbishment or replacement works in 2008/9.
- Chalkway Mead Bridge, Ebbesbourne Wake, C334, (Completed)
- Nunton Bridge, Odstock, A338, (Commenced)
- Sunton Bridge, Collingbourne Ducis, Footpath, (May 2008)
- Stonebridge Lane 2nd Bridge, Marlborough, Footpath, (June 2008)
- Lamplands Bridge, Ramsbury, C194, (June 2008)
- The Cedars Bridge, Ramsbury, C194, (June 2008)
- Berwick Bassett Bridge, Berwick Bassett, U/C 107301, (June 2008)
- Dead Lane Bridge, Brinkworth, C104, (June 2008)
- Easton Grey Bridge, Easton Grey, C1, (July 2008)
- Hensford Marsh, Warminster, U/C 874424, (July 2008)
- Cradle Bridge, Trowbridge, C361, (July 2008)
- George Bridge, Orcheston, C291, (September 2008)
- Hougomont Bridge, Collingbourne Ducis, A338, (September 2008)
- Overton North Bridge, West Overton, U/C 5073, (October 2008)
- Moot Lane Bridge, Downton, C336, (January 2009)
- Ashley Road Bridge, Salisbury, (Reserve Scheme)
- Pill Bridge, Crudwell. (Reserve Scheme)
One of the more unusual structures in Wiltshire is Maud Heath’s Causeway situated within the parish of Langley Burrell. The structure consists of 64 arches although some have been replaced by a road bridge originally built in 1853, and then rebuilt in 1961.
Maud Heath was a widow who lived at Tytherton Kellaways during the 15th century. She made a Deed of Gift in 1474 by which land and property in and around Chippenham was invested in a group of trustees.
Travelling in the 15th century was often very treacherous, tracks turned to thick mud in wet weather and carts would frequently become stuck. When the land dried out it would leave solid ruts and ridges. Maud Heath would have crossed the River Avon at Kellaways which would have been in flood during the winter months.
The trustees oversaw the construction of a causeway to allow people to travel more easily between Wick Hill and Chippenham.
The trust is still in existence today and assists with the maintenance of the causeway.
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
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