Replacing the Main Bridge in 1998

The road access bridge (Long Bridge) was in a bad state of repair when we purchased the meadow. It collapsed in September 1997. Temporary repairs were carried out, and permanent replacement by a substantial single span structure with four steel girders and a reinforced concrete deck (see picture), was completed in October 1998. Cllr Tim Horton (Chairman of TOE) and Mr Graham Kemp (of Hanson Waste Management) formally opened it on 22nd October 1998.

New single-span vehicle access bridge

Funding of the construction came from the Landfill Tax Rebate Scheme (Hanson Waste Management) via ENTRUST and the Trust for Oxfordshire's Environment (TOE) - £20,000; and The South Oxfordshire District Council (£2,500). The trustees are extremely grateful to all who made this urgent scheme possible. A public appeal for funds was not required.

How we repaired the bridge

In September 1997 the supporting trestles collapsed, leaving the concrete deck sagging alarmingly.

Collapsed bridge from southeast

This bridge is our only vehicle access to the meadow and carries the public footpath from Dorchester to Overy.

Collapsed bridge from northwest

The concrete deck was removed in pieces by the Environment Agency Constructor Unit who carried out the whole contract to a high standard.

Removing old bridge deck

The new bridge was designed by Amey plc. The Corton steel girders were kindly supplied by the Oxfordshire County Council and brought to the site by Associated Asphalt Ltd

De-aerating the concrete

The deck was reinforced by a double layer of steel mesh and locked into the girders.

Double layer of steel mesh

The funds for the bridge came from the Landfill Tax Rebate Scheme (£20,000) via TOE, ENTRUST, Greenways Waste Management and the ARC (now Hanson) Environment Fund; and from the South Oxfordshire District Council (£2,500) for which the trustees are very grateful

Concreting the deck

Members of the EA Constructor Unit Team who proved to be skilled craftsmen

The EA Constructor team

Formal opening of the bridge on 22 October 1998 by Cllr Tim Horton, Chairman of The Trust for Oxfordshire's Environment (TOE) and Mr Graham Kemp of Greenways (now Hanson) Waste Management. 

Formal opening of the bridge

The completed bridge viewed from upstream. Replacing the three trestles with a single span allows better flow of floodwater and less need to remove obstructions.

Completed bridge