Chetwynd bridge
Chetwynd Bridge is an early three span iron arch structure which has been in continuous service for nearly 200 years, carrying the A513 over the River Tame, serving the National Memorial Arboretum and Catton Park, currently carrying around 7,000 vehicles a day. The Grade 2* Listed structure was constructed in 1824 by the Coalbrookdale Company, with Chetwynd Bridge deemed the younger sister of the original Ironbridge.
Following the discovery of significant structural defects within the original cast iron elements, Staffordshire County Council have recently completed a refurbishment scheme to stabilise and preserve this historic structure. The refurbishment scheme included repair and replacement of cast iron elements, additional bracing and internal strengthening, masonry repairs and replacement of the protective paint system. Without these essential repairs, it would not have been possible to control the increasing rate of deterioration, such that the structure would not be safe to use and become unstable. As part of this scheme the speed limit has been reduced from 60mph to 20mph, concrete barriers installed to safeguard traffic and protect the decorative parapets, with traffic light control, combined with a 7.5 tonne weight limit to prevent over-stressing of key components and reduce movement of the bridge deck.
Photo 1 – Chetwynd Bridge following refurbishment
Unfortunately, the structural weight restriction that was introduced on the bridge at the end of last year is being regularly ignored. As a result of drivers ignoring the signs, sections of concrete have fallen from the bridge deck, and new cracking has been observed in the restored cast iron structure. The 7.5 tonne limit is a structural (not amenity) restriction, such that any vehicles above this weight will cause further damage. To support the structural weight limit, it has been necessary to impose an additional 2.3m width restriction, together with extensive advance and local signing, to prevent continued use by overweight vehicles. Without this additional restriction the bridge will need to close permanently to all traffic.
Photo 2 – 2.3m width restriction at Chetwynd Bridge
However, we are also very aware that at its most extreme these restrictions involve up to an 18-mile diversion for some, with significant personal as well as local economic and environmental implications. The officially signed diversion route is A513, A38, A5, A513. The bridge is no longer suitable for carrying HGVs, including fire engines or local farm traffic. The emergency services have been informed both from statutory notification and additional communications as a back-up, along with the district councils.
Photo 3 – Example of advanced restriction signage
An Outline Business Case is currently being prepared to construct a new road bridge approximately 13m south of the existing Chetwynd bridge, with the existing heritage structure to be converted for pedestrians and cyclists use only. In anticipation of identifying a funding source, delivery work has already started on the design and to have consents in place, funded through the County Council’s annual highway capital programme. At this stage we can’t confirm a delivery date for the new structure, with the estimated cost of a new bypass likely to be in the region of £15m.
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for highways and transport David Williams said:
Chetwynd Bridge is listed and a historic asset to people in Staffordshire and neighbouring Derbyshire. It has undergone a full and sympathetic restoration to ensure it is safe to use and in keeping with its historic status.
Unfortunately, we had to introduce the weight limit to prevent further deterioration of the bridge. We now need to bring in the width restriction as far too many heavy vehicles are ignoring the restriction signs. Without further action we would need to close the bridge to all traffic, which nobody wants.
We do of course understand this will place an inconvenience on local residents and businesses, but we cannot compromise safety. We have let businesses, partner organisations and communities know about the new restriction.
In the longer term, the county council is planning to remove all traffic from Chetwynd Bridge and put it onto the new bypass road bridge.
This will transform Chetwynd Bridge into a cycle and pedestrian route and preserve it for future generations.”
We would like to thank motorists for their patience.
Frequently asked questions
Why are there traffic lights when no work appears to be taking place?
The measures have been put in place on safety grounds only. A safety inspection showed the cast iron parapets are unlikely to be able to withstand a traffic collision. Safety has to be the priority and that’s why only single lane traffic is now allowed. The lights have motion sensors to detect the passage of cyclists to modify timing of the signal phases.
When was the 7.5mgw weight restriction introduced?
The 7.5t weight restriction was introduced on 21 December 2022 and we appreciate it is an inconvenience to local communities and businesses for which we apologise. However, we had no other choice but to introduce it, due to the bridge’s fragile condition, if we wanted to keep the bridge open, and cannot compromise on safety.
Can the concrete blocks be removed or reduced?
The concrete blocks are in place to contain vehicles from falling off the bridge and into the river. The original bridge parapets are too weak to be able to do this. They also have a damping effect which limits movement in the bridge when vehicles travel across, which is helping reduce the stresses on the cast iron components in the bridge. These need to be continuous in order to provide the necessary containment.
Why has a width restriction been imposed upon the bridge?
Whilst a weight limit was introduced to protect the 19th century structure, many drivers are ignoring the signs, which is leading to further deterioration. Without the new restrictions the bridge would need to close permanently to all traffic. Now a width restriction of 2.3 metres (7ft 6ins) is needed to stop heavier vehicles from accessing the bridge.
Why can’t you install a camera to fine offending drivers and report to the police?
The 7.5 tonne restriction is a structural limit beyond which damage is caused to the supporting structure and must be enforced 100%. Importantly, the width restriction stops heavier vehicles accessing the structure, preventing damage.
Why don’t you just repair the damage?
The bridge has served the community well for nearly 200 years, but the ageing parapets were never intended to contain modern traffic. We aim to build a new bridge and turn the current bridge in to a cycle way to the National Memorial Arboretum.
How will the bridge cope with traffic?
We have been monitoring the traffic flow and it appears to be working well for normal traffic. Where extra traffic is expected, such as for events at Catton Park, they have employed a traffic management company to help minimise disruption. There are very large events at the National Memorial Arboretum (NMA) also, but most visitors would travel from the A38, and not use the bridge.
What are your long-term plans for the bridge?
Our aim is to construct a new bypass bridge onto which vehicular traffic will be diverted. In order to do this, there is significant work involved which includes land purchase, ground investigation, detailed design, approvals from Heritage England, Environment Agency, Environmental and Ecological permits.
How long will the measures be in place?
Funding for the new £15 million structure is not yet available and the single lane operation is therefore likely to be in place for several years. The county are seeking planning permission for a new structure whilst preparing a business case for funding.
At what stage is funding for a new bridge alongside?
The project team is carrying out surveys presently which will support the business case for the new bridge, which is needed when bidding for funding in as many streams as possible.
To build the strongest case for a future funding bid, Staffordshire County Council will be seeking to fund further work on the new bypass bridge design over the next year to obtain all statutory consents prior to construction.