Whitchurch Bridge :: About the New Bridge

On this page:

The Reconstruction of Whitchurch Bridge (revised 19th July 2010)
Whitchurch Bridge is coming to the end of its useful life and major reconstruction is planned for 2011-12, by which time the existing Bridge will be 109 years old.

Oxfordshire County Council (OCC) is managing the reconstruction project on behalf of the Company in accordance with their established Project Management procedures, and a computer-based Project Plan has been drawn up. Architectural and detailed engineering design input is being procured from Jacobs.

The Company intends to retain the existing appearance of the Bridge. Our plans involve the installation of new piers (ie the vertical columns secured in the river bed) supporting new, load-bearing longitudinal girders under the roadway, with the existing piles, pier caps and latticework side girders retained as key visual elements. The width of the Bridge will not be increased, and the headroom and width of the four river channels will not be reduced.

Drawings of the existing and proposed new structure are shown here. The proposed design is subject to further detailed engineering analysis, site-specific issues and Planning requirements.

Tasks already undertaken include:

detailed architectural and engineering design for the reconstruction of the Bridge
a topographical survey (to obtain accurate data on levels on and around the Bridge and approach roads)
a geotechnical survey (to assess ground conditions under the Bridge for the new piles)
investigations of the abutments (to ascertain their depth and condition)
an assessment of site-specific issues and build methodology
preliminary planning of contractors' compound area and an initial flood risk assessment
an initial ecology survey (to identify trees and wildlife habitats which will need protecting)

In accordance with the Construction (Design and Management) Regulations 2007 a "CDM Co-ordinator" has been appointed who will advise the Company (as Client) on all aspects of its responsibilities for health and safety risk management matters.

The reconstruction costs are estimated at £3.50 million at June 2010 prices. The cost may rise significantly if Planning, British Standards or European Directive requirements require design changes. In addition, the cost of labour and materials fluctuates and may not turn out to be as currently forecast.

The works, being a major reconstruction of the Bridge, will have to comply with British Standard BS 5400, which specifies codes of practice for the design of steel, concrete and composite Bridges. BS 5400 may be superceded by a European Standard before reconstruction takes place

The Company is at one with local residents in wishing to retain a 7.5 tonne weight restriction on the Bridge after it has been reconstructed, and has agreed with OCC (as Highways authority) that an enforceable 7.5 tonnes mgw weight limit can be retained on the Bridge following its reconstruction.

The proposed works will require Planning Approval from both South Oxfordshire District Council (SODC) and West Berkshire Council, and initial discussions on Planning issues have taken place with both Councils. SODC will act as "lead" Planning Authority, and because the Bridge is a Grade II listed structure both the design and the method of reconstruction will need to conform to the listing requirements. The Company has appointed the Temple Group to manage its inputs to the Planning Application process, and intends to submit a Planning Application by the end of 2010.

Approval for the planned works will also be required from the Environment Agency.

The works are likely to involve closure of the Bridge to all vehicles for not less than 6 months. The Whitchurch Bridge Company intends to provide a temporary footbridge to maintain a pedestrian link between Whitchurch and Pangbourne.

Click here for FAQ's.