Victoria Bridge refurbishment

Hereford’s Victoria Bridge will be restored to its former glory as part of a major refurbishment scheme aimed at preserving the popular footbridge for generations to come.
 
The Grade II listed structure, built in 1897, has suffered extensive deterioration due to weathering and old age.

A detailed inspection of the bridge discovered serious corrosion. A small hole had also been found in the deck of the bridge leading to its emergency closure.

Specialist contractors will move on site in May. The bridge will be closed for six months until October while repairs are carried out.

Alternative access over the river can be found 500 metres upstream on The Old Wye Bridge, next to the Left Bank Village.

Cllr Brian Wilcox, Cabinet Member (Highways and Transportation), said: “Not only is Victoria Bridge an important and rich part of this city’s heritage, but it also an important crossing used by many residents every day.

“We realise that the temporary closure of the bridge will be an inconvenience, but repairs are urgently needed and the works programme could not be delayed.

“Attempts to postpone works for a year to allow access over the bridge during The Three Choirs Festival were investigated and rejected on the grounds of public safety.

“Constraints by the Environment Agency in terms of what impacts the scheme will have on the river, wildlife and environment have limited the works programme to six months between May and October.

“We also investigated the possibility of erecting a temporary bridge while works were being carried out, but at a cost of about £250,000 (around £1,400 a day) this was dismissed as an inappropriate spend of public money.

“The repair works to the bridge marks a major investment in our city’s heritage.

“When complete it will once again become one of Hereford’s finest assets,” added Cllr Wilcox.