Bridge Strengthening

The maximum permitted weight of lorries was increased in February 2001 to 44 tonnes. All bridges have been assessed to see if they could cope with this increase safely.

Public safety is maintained on those bridges assessed as weak by using temporary weight restrictions or other measures and restrictions until such time as strengthening work can be undertaken or it is determined that to retain a permanent restriction is more appropriate.

The strengthening programme gives priority to principal road bridges and substandard bridges on the non-principal road network, may have permanent weight restrictions applied as an alternative to strengthening. Each bridge is considered on its merits taking into account volume of use, road safety, economic and environmental factors.

In addition to bridge works to deal with lorry weight, parapets are also assessed and upgraded as required, as part of the strengthening programme

For more information telephone 01628 683 800