Iron bridge project an 'exciting investment' for Gorge

But after centuries standing over the River Severn, the Iron Bridge is in need of some tender loving care.

The world's first Iron Bridge,completed in 1779 and opened to traffic in 1801 it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1986 and remains an iconic feature of Britain’s industrial past.

But after standing for centuries, the bridge is in need to repairs to cracking, caused by ground movements.

The Iron Bridge was the first single span arch bridge in the world to be made of cast iron and was a turning point in engineering.

However Britain’s it is suffering due to stresses in the ironwork dating from the original construction, ground movement over the centuries, and an earthquake at the end of the 19th century.

The Iron Bridge has been in the care of English Heritage since 1975 and the charity has undertaken regular conservation and monitoring during that time.

Now, a major conservation project will see the different elements of the bridge – the iron radials and braces holding the bridge together, the deck plates and wedges, the main iron arch, and the stone abutments on either side of the River Severn – undergo thorough examination and conservation.

The cast iron pieces will be carefully cleaned and conserved, and the bridge will also be re-painted.

Works are due to commence on site in September, and the first stage will involve scaffolding being erected around the bridge.

While this is a considerable task, the scaffolding has been specially-designed to prioritise safe pedestrian access over the bridge during the works.

It is also hoped to include a viewing platform to let people see how the work will progress.

It will mirror how the bridge looked 30 years ago, the last time it underwent works.

Works to strengthen the bridge have been carried out over the years as the sides of the Gorge move inwards.

English Heritage says it is planning to spend £1.25m on renovation works to the bridge.

It is the charity's largest conservation project to date.

Company Taziker Industrial Ltd have been brought in to do the work for the charity.

Surveyors have already been out on ropes to look at the bridge and plans have had to be put in place on how to attach the scaffolding so as not to overload the structure.

Residents are now being invited to find out more at an open day to be held next week.

Councillor Nicola Lowery, Telford & Wrekin Council ward member for the Ironbridge Gorge said: “There are lots of opportunities to get involved in this unique project and a drop in event will provide more details on the project timetable along with information on volunteering.

"Throughout this process myself and local stakeholders have reiterated the importance of engaging with the local community to ensure an involvement and insight into this fascinating conservation process and to reassure of the measures taken to minimise disruption.

"Taziker Industrial Ltd are a very reputable contractor in this sector and have an impressive portfolio, having previously worked on the iconic Tyne Bridge in Newcastle and the Menai and Britannia Bridges in North Wales.

“I am absolutely delighted that English Heritage are making such an important investment into the World Heritage Site and that a start date has been confirmed to begin these works in September.

"This will be a very interesting conservation project to see develop and hopefully will allow many in the local community and visitors from across the world to see the scheme evolve over the next 12 months, as this exciting project gets underway”.

Ahead of the start of works, English Heritage are inviting anyone with an interest in the project to a special Iron Bridge conservation project drop-in event on August 8, from 4pm to 7pm at Number Nine, 9 The Wharfage, Ironbridge.