Work to restore Hereford’s Victoria Bridge to its former glory as part of a £725,000 refurbishment scheme has started.
Specialist contractor Interserve Project Services Limited moved onto site on May 2 to begin repairing the Grade II listed structure.
Victoria Bridge, built in 1898, has suffered extensive deterioration due to weathering and old age.
The aim of the refurbishment project, headed by Herefordshire Council in partnership with Owen Williams and Interserve Project Services Limited, is to protect the bridge for generations to come.
Special measures have been adopted to minimise disruption to the public while allowing work to continue.
Under the scheme a working platform will be assembled below the bridge. This will then be lifted up and scaffolding erected around the bridge. The bridge will then be covered (“encapsulated”) to allow repairs to proceed safely and to protect the working area.
All paint will be removed by grit blasting and new paintwork applied. At the same time areas of corrosion will be removed and the steelwork repaired.
The footbridge deck will then be replaced, the lighting and decorative features improved and the handrail repaired.
The River Wye is a Special Area of Conservation and a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI). The council has worked closely with the Environment Agency and English Nature to ensure the works programme is sensitive to the environment and wildlife.
Constraints by the Environment Agency in terms of flood prevention have limited the works programme to the period between May and October.
Various options have been considered to provide an alternative crossing over the river during the works programme including a ferry service and temporary bridge – but at more than £1,000 a day these were ruled out as too expensive.
The bridge will be closed until October while the 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: “Victoria Footbridge is a significant local landmark, well used by pedestrians within Hereford City.
“These works are essential to ensure the long-term integrity of the delicate structure and will restore the bridge to its former glory.
“I appreciate that the extended closure of the bridge will cause inconvenience for many people but, after careful examination, I am satisfied that there is no economic means of providing a temporary crossing.”