August update - footway replacement

We are making significant progress to replace Otley Bridge’s cantilevered footway.

All six cantilevers have been successfully hydro-demolished, which essentially involves using high pressure water jets to break up and remove concrete from the steel beams. The removed concrete is removed and taken off site for recycling.

One of the cantilevers on the bridge

This has allowed us to inspect the exposed steel beams in the structure, which are in good condition and do not need significant repair. 

Over the coming weeks will bring the cantilevers up to current standards by adding additional reinforcement before recasting them in concrete. These structural improvements are essential to ensure the long-term safety and durability of the new footway, which will be installed in autumn.

A prepared steel beam after hydro demolition 

To support this next stage, from Wednesday 20 August Otley Bridge will be subject to intermittent night-time single lane closures between 6pm and 5.30am, managed by temporary traffic lights, for a period of two to three weeks.

These closures will allow our team to safely change the catenary system that is temporarily supporting service and infrastructure cables, install reinforcement and recast the concrete around the cantilever steel beams.

Due to variations in pier size and river level, the pontoon and scaffold systems must be regularly adapted to suit each working area. As a result, work must be carefully sequenced and planned to maintain efficiency.

The pontoon and scaffold system used to safely change the catenary system

We appreciate the public’s continued patience and understanding as we manage these logistical challenges and deliver these essential safety improvements to Otley Bridge.