Bridges

Bridges form an essential component of the highway network in Worcestershire

The bridge maintenance section has overall responsibility for in excess of 1500 bridges and structures that are owned by Worcestershire County Council. However not all bridges in Worcestershire are owned and maintained by the council. Bridges on motorways and trunk roads, for example, are maintained by the Highways Agency.  Many railway bridges are owned and maintained by Network Rail and some bridges over canals are owned and maintained by British Waterways.   

• Bridge Locations
• Powick Bridge Refurbishment

Abnormal load management abloads@worcestershire.gov.uk

Abnormal load fax number  01905 361236

Bridges and Maintenance

We ensure that bridges and structures are safe and fit for their purpose by:

• regularly inspecting every structure
• prioritising, planning and carrying out repairs to structures that we own
• setting designs standards for the building of any new structures
• making sure that  our construction standards are met by new development

We make regular general inspections of all structures every two years. Some other bridges, such as cast iron or weight-restricted bridges, are inspected more often.

We also make a 'principal inspection' every 6 to 12 years, depending upon the type of structure. This involves close inspection of all parts of a structure, and often means using specialist equipment and closing lanes of the road over or under the structure

There is a rich heritage of old bridges in Worcestershire, and these bridges need to be maintained carefully.  Any work to historic bridges must meet the strict requirements of English Heritage or the Local Planning Authority (usually a district council). Generally the work aims to make them safe and fit for purpose, without significantly changing their appearance.