Marlow Bridge engineers go waterborne for final tests

With the mist lifting on an autumnal Monday morning (October 31), an inspection barge glided slowly into place beneath Marlow Bridge for the final stage of structural engineering tests.

Engineers, commissioned by Buckinghamshire County Council,have been running stress tests on the suspension bridge since a 37-tonne Lithuanian lorry tried to cross it on September 24.

Last week they orderedthe specialist barge with ahydraulic hoiston boardto allow ultrasound and magnetic particle tests to continue below the road deck during the coming fortnight.

The engineers need to remove decades of paint layers from the metalwork toexpose bare metal for these tests.Before testsstartedon Monday they worked with the Environment Agency to set up a safety exclusion zone around the barge.

Watching the barge move up river wasTransport Cabinet MemberMark Shaw, who welcomed the progress being made with the testing regime.

The analysis report should be completed mid-November. If this recommends replacing sections of the bridge, specially manufactured parts could take up to 12 weeks to make and a further eight weeks to install.

‘I’m very grateful for the utmost care our engineers have taken with their tests, which I know is exactly what people would expect of us,’ said Mark.

‘This bridge is special to Marlow and Bisham, and residents I spoke toas we watched the barge move into positionappreciated the measures we’ve taken to ensure no further damage is caused.’

‘We’re nearing the final analysis report, and as soon as we’re able, we want to get repairs underway to make the bridge safe and secure for vehicles.’

Mark said loss adjusters from the Lithuanian transport company’s insurers had been in contact and would cover the cost of repairs.

The bridge remains open to pedestrians and cyclists.