We’ve completed repairs to Sellars Swing Bridge

With the repairs requiring a road closure, the bridge reopened on schedule on Friday, following our work. It is one of 18 swing bridges along the canal that are important for maintaining navigation, especially for tall-sided vessels, including the ships that visit the canal for the Tall Ships Festival.

Strengthening for the future

The increased weight in vehicles over the years had taken a toll on the condition of the bridge, which dates back to the 1950s. The repairs were needed to strengthen it for future use, while also making improvements to road plates that had been causing high levels of noise when vehicles used it to cross the canal.

Molly Richards, regional construction manager, explained: “We’ve been able to successfully complete repairs that will futureproof the bridge for many years to come.

“New parapet timbers have been installed to replace the handrails on both sides and on the bridge’s approach. A team from Sharpness Shipyard have completed the refurbishment of the winding mechanism that’ll make it easier to open and close the bridge to allow tall vessels to go through.

“We’ve replaced the road plates which will help lower the noise when vehicles go across, made repairs to where concrete had corroded on the nose of the bridge and also corrected its balance, so it doesn’t move when weight is put on it by vehicles.

“We are grateful to the patience of local people, boaters, drivers, cyclists and pedestrians for the disruption while the works were taking place. Our work has given us the chance to reopen a stronger, safer and more resilient bridge.”