Posted on Wednesday 7th August 2024
Mark Sutton (left ) with main designer Mark Spence and the project team.
A newly constructed bridge in South Staffordshire is connecting rural communities to a main route through the county as well as helping to protect nearby residents from flooding.
The bridge in the village of Dunston between Penkridge and Stafford has just been completed and opened to traffic. It connects rural communities to the west with the A449 Wolverhampton Road.
Its location over Pothooks Brook could flood after periods of heavy rain and as part of the project the flow of the brook through the channel under the bridge has been increased.
The project team decided that a whole replacement was needed as it could not strengthen the old structure without restricting the brook’s flow.
Now a replacement reinforced concrete structure is in place, reducing the need for frequent maintenance and minimising the thickness of the bridge deck. It has been clad brick to suit its rural surroundings.
The team used the latest construction methods to reduce noise and vibration during the build. Both the county council’s highways and flood protection teams carried out the scheme, which was funded through the county council and Defra.
Dunston resident Alison Walker, who has lived in the village for six years and whose home is near the bridge said:
We’re absolutely delighted with the new bridge and think the way it has turned out is wonderful. Hopefully it will make a difference to any flooding issues too.
It’s been really interesting to watch the project as it has progressed. The team here has been respectful, helpful and communicative throughout. Seeing the end result now is fantastic.”
Staffordshire County Council’s cabinet member for strategic highways Mark Deaville said:
Construction of this new bridge at Dunston has been a fantastic achievement and will bring long-term benefits to future generations. It has taken a considerable amount of careful planning followed by a methodical construction phase. The project has brought together expertise from both our highways and flood protection teams. Due to the complex nature of the scheme, it has taken a longer period than a traditional highways job and so we’d like to thank people for their patience.”
Local county councillor Mark Sutton said:
As local county councillor I’ve visited the project site on numerous occasions as it has progressed and been impressed with the commitment by the team in ensuring work has been done to the highest standard.
This has involved significantly increasing the flow capacity underneath the bridge which will help to reduce future flood risk which has been a huge concern to nearby residents. The new bridge will make a lasting difference not only to Dunston, but to the many rural communities for which it provides vital access to the A449.”