Castle Bridge, a historic Grade II* listed structure dating back to 1793, spans the River Avon and is a key route in Warwick. It carries the A425 Banbury Road and is located near Warwick Castle. Due to its heritage status, significant stonework repairs were required, which involved a highly technical scaffolding solution.
The bridge is a vital link in Warwick’s infrastructure, providing both pedestrian and vehicular access. The restoration is crucial for the safety and preservation of this regional landmark.
The project has lasted 18 months, with completion scheduled for Spring 2025. The main challenge was the restriction on encroaching into the road, as the bridge forms a critical traffic route.
Our design incorporated steel ballast in the form of specially purchased flat steel sections. This high density ballast allowed us to maintain pedestrian access on the pavement, without reducing the width of the carriageway.
The scaffold included large cantilever beams extending 8 meters from each bank and a 20-meter long cantilever droplift scaffold over the crown of the arch. This unique design was crucial to provide access for the stonework repairs while minimising disruption.
The use of 20 tonnes of steel ballast was instrumental in reducing the scaffold’s footprint and maintaining the road’s width. These flat steel sections provided the necessary high-density weight for stability without encroaching on the carriageway.
Collaboration and Safety
Throughout the project, we worked closely with the local council, the bridge remediation contractor, and the stonemasons to align on both technical design and safety considerations. Pedestrian safety was a top priority, so we implemented secure barriers, clear signage, and monitoring to prevent unauthorised access to the scaffold. Additionally, the work took place during nighttime road closures to minimise the impact on daily traffic.
Project Outcome and Timeline
With an expected completion in Spring 2025, the project has allowed stonework repairs to progress smoothly while ensuring minimal disruption to the public and preserving the integrity of the historic bridge.
