Tintern Wireworks Bridge – April 2023 Update

Continuing on from the works in February, VolkerLaser is progressing with works on the Tintern Wireworks Bridge.

The new steelwork structure spanning the River Wye has been installed, and painted and is now seated on the original bridge abutments and piers. The new steelwork now rests on twelve flexible bearing pads, three on each of the existing abutments and piers. These bearings prevent the transmission of excessive vibration into the stonework below and allows the structure to move during seasonal expansion and contraction of the structure.

In order to complete the painting works, the encapsulation and scaffolding were removed to allow contact points to be coated. Unfortunately, persistent heavy rain during March hampered the painting process, leading to delays in the completion of the works.

During the removal of the encapsulation and scaffolding, it was found that the existing bridge girders had suffered from excessive movement and meaning additional works were required to ensure that the girders were securely fixed to the supporting abutments and piers. Twenty-four anchor bolts were drilled and fixed into the existing structure to ensure stability in the years to come.

Repairs and repointing works to the existing stonework have also continued. Working in conjunction with both Gloucestershire and Monmouthshire County Council’s conservationists, the existing mortar was chemically analysed to allow an accurate match to be made. Although, the new mortar contrasts quite noticeably at the moment, time and weathering will gradually reduce the contrast.

At each end of the bridge, a concrete wall needs to be cast to provide a defined edge to re-surface to and support expansion joints to allow the bridge to expand and contract during seasonal heating and cooling. Formwork or ‘shutters’ have been manufactured to maintain the shape of the walls during the pouring and curing of the concrete. Resurfacing works will be carried out at both ends of the bridge to provide clear, smooth pedestrian and light vehicle access. The team are also working to remove an existing tree stump at the west end of the bridge to allow full width resurfacing to be carried out.

A new timber deck will be laid over the bridge in the coming weeks. These deck panels have been prefabricated in the site compound off Forge Road ready for placement.

Whilst the team were aiming to complete all works by the end of April, delays caused by poor weather conditions over the last few weeks mean this will now be pushed back to early May.