Victoria Bridge and Destructor Bridge exhibition

A touring exhibition celebrating the history of bridge design is being hosted at the Bath Royal Literary and Scientific Institiution in Queens Square, Bath from January 6^th to January 15^th. The exhibition is open from Monday to Saturday from 10am – 4pm.

The exhibition includes information about the recently completed works on Victoria Bridge and the planned restoration of the Destructor Bridge.  There is also an interactive exhibition including information about local and national bridges which encourages visitors to build their own model bridges using a variety of engineering structures.

There are three build-your-own bridge kits designed and produced by Bristol-based model makers Amalgam, that demonstrate how the components of arch, truss and cable structures can be assembled to produce six different bridge designs.   In addition, the family activity area will encourage young and old to design their own bridge in a Top Trump style for entry into a competition to find the potential bridge builders of the future.   The final set of Top Trump images will be exhibited during April with a chance to vote on your favourites.  

Free Family Fun Day

There will also be a free family fun day on Saturday 17^th January, where engineering students and experts will help visitors to build bridge models to take home.
 

Start made on Victoria Bridge refurbishment

A £3.4 million project to refurbish Victoria Bridge is being carried out by Bath & North East Somerset Council to make the structure suitable for modern use for the growing population of Bath Riverside and link the Upper and Lower Bristol Road for people on foot and cyclists.

The design has been developed through discussions with English Heritage. Construction will involve the bridge being taken to pieces and reassembled with a series of new, steel components added to make the structure sufficiently strong enough to meet modern bridge design standards.

The form and appearance will be similar to the original. It will be painted dark green. Project completion is anticipated by the end of 2014.

Works details – how to find out more

 

People will still be able to use the temporary truss, which has been in place since 2010, to cross the River Avon whilst work is happening. However, a short series of minor 30 minute restrictions of the use of the Bridge, River a towpath will be required for safety reasons throughout the works programme. Temporary diversions will be in place during these times. The steps adjacent to the north tower will remain closed throughout the works.

 

Timings for forthcoming closures will be communicated during the course of the works via Twitter and our website, on sign boards located at either end of the Bridge; at towpath level and at Weston Lock and Broad Quays moorings. 

 

A more significant closure of the route across the bridge and the towpath will be required to permanently remove the truss, once the refurbishment works have been completed. This closure is likely to last for a fortnight during Winter 2014.

 

There is a range of ways to keep up to date about the project via:

 

www.bathnes.gov.uk/victoriabridge

Twitter: @_VictoriaBridge

Email: major_projects@bathnes.gov.uk

Phone: 01225 39 40 41

Victoria Bridge

We are  pleased to be able to confirm that works to carry out a permanent refurbishment of
Victoria Bridge are due to commence in late February 2014.

Bath & North East Somerset Council have released the following details.

The refurbishment works are to be delivered by Balfour Beatty Civil Engineering Ltd, (BBCEL)
working on behalf of the Council, and will be delivered in a phased approach as follows:

Bridge dismantling Winter to Spring 2014
Foundations/tower stone conservation Spring to Summer 2014
Bridge erection Summer to Autumn 2014
Truss removal and completion Autumn to Winter 2014

The methodology for undertaking the work has been developed to minimise impact on use of
the River, Victoria Bridge Road, (including the crossing through the Bridge) and on the towpath
beneath.

To ensure the work can be carried out in a safe manner, the steps adjacent to the Bridge’s
north tower will remain closed throughout the works. Additionally a series of short, (up to 30
minute) restrictions to the use of the River and towpath, and route across the Bridge will be
necessary. 

Timings for forthcoming closures will be communicated by BBCEL during the
course of the works via Twitter, (see below for address) and on sign boards located near the
Bridge. 

A more significant closure of the route across the bridge and the towpath will be
required to permanently remove the truss, once the refurbishment works have been
completed. This closure is likely to last for a fortnight during Autumn/Winter 2014.

To ensure that you are properly informed about the work, we have set up the following
communication channels:

Council Connect: 01225 39 40 41

On site: BBCEL Project Manager on site and project information boards with contact
details

Website: www.bathnes.gov.uk/victoriabridge

Email: major_projects@bathnes.gov.uk 
Twitter: @_VictoriaBridge

Take part in history - comment on Victoria Bridge proposals

Sarah & Sharon at Victoria Bridge

Residents are being invited by Bath & North East Somerset Council to view and comment upon the proposals for the refurbishment of Victoria Bridge and proposals for the replacement of the Destructor Bridge until 24^th March 2013.

The plans follow the Council approving its budget which approved funding that took the investment in Victoria Bridge to £3.4 million.

They are being displayed as part of an exhibition at the Museum of Bath at Work on celebrated engineer and designer of the bridge, James Dredge.

Extensive research by the Council into the history of Victoria Bridge, including the life and work of James Dredge will present many historical illustrations of the bridge rarely seen at the Museum of Bath at Work, Julian Road alongside the designs. The research has helped shape the refurbishment which takes into account the heritage of the bridge.

The engineering expertise of the past is shaping the future refurbishment of this important bridge. Bath & North East Somerset Council has delved into history to support our aims of making the city more appealing for people on foot and who use bicycles.

Victoria Bridge is a vital connection between communities on either side of the River Avon. It supports sustainable travel to Bath Riverside that in the coming years will support thousands of new homes and jobs for local people.

The structure has a high heritage value which played a significant part in the story of the city’s industrial development and advanced bridge engineering through the Victorian era. The exhibition is a unique opportunity for people to explore history and have their say on these multi-million pound projects.

Get involved – exhibition details
The Victoria Bridge Exhibition, including proposals for the replacement of Destructor Bridge with a two way traffic bridge with pedestrian and cycle ways is open Friday to Sunday only, 10.30am – 5pm. Anyone who cannot attend the exhibition can view the plans online at www.bathnes.gov.uk/victoriabridge

 Although the opportunity to comment closes on 24^th March, the exhibition continues until May 23^rd – more details at www.bath-at-work.org.uk

Victoria Bridge

Sarah Moore and Sharon at temporary repair

Bath & North East Somerset Liberal Democrat cabinet have passed financial support for the repairs of Victoria Bridge costing over £2.58 Million.

The repairs are due for completion in late 2014 and will be starting in April 2013 this follows on from the emergency repairs that were put in place in Nov 2011 to stablalise the bridge.

"I am pleased that the council has taken the steps to ensure that this historic structure is brought back to its former glory and will be a treasure for future generations and an important link between the Western Riverside and the Upper Bristol Road".

full report passed by the council

By Cllr Sharon Ball

Victoria Bridge

Victoria Bridge in better days

 Victoria Bridge is still closed following structural surveys undertaken by Mott McDonald.  This important walking and cycling link has now been shut for over 2 months.  The council is currently considering the way forward, as a full structural survey has been recommended.

We realise that this route is an extremely important link for walkers and cyclists getting across town, and that it must be re-opened as soon as possible.  Lib Dems are calling on the council to prioritise works on the bridge, making it safe as soon as possible.