What works will be taking place?
Our original intention was to repair the bridge this summer, by rebuilding the walls which were severely damaged by flood water. However, now that water has receded, our closer inspections show structural and stability issues.
As the new East Sussex Highways maintenance provider, Balfour Beatty Living Places have been working closely with their engineers and East Sussex County Council, and the decision has been made that replacement of the bridge is the best option.
The new bridge will be designed for a minimum 120 year design life, be more resilient against future flood events and minimise maintenance costs.
Unfortunately, this means it will take longer for the design to be completed.
The design for the new bridge has already started and our latest programme shows that works should start around October 2023, although we will do everything we can to begin construction sooner.
Information for residents and businesses
We will be able to minimise the construction time for the new bridge by pre-casting a lot of the concrete element off site. This way we can also better manage the safety risk from working over the river during construction.
Further information will be provided to affected residents closer to the construction date.
An image showing the extent of the water damage to the Shawford Bridge