Marlow Bridge study identifies shortlist of safety options

| |

Bucks County Council have updated us a study we first mentioned back in March 2017. Engineers have now completed the study of options to give added protection to Marlow Bridge from the threat of use by overweight vehicles

The study, started in April, has produced a shortlist of preferences, which has been presented in a report to Mark Shaw, Buckinghamshire County Council Deputy Leader and Transport Cabinet Member.
 

The Transport for Buckinghamshire study followed extensive inspection and testing of the bridge structure – which has a three tonne weight limit – during a two-month closure last autumn, after a 37-tonne lorry forced its way across in September 2016

Mark said the study had considered 18 different options, which included better communication with motorists through satellite navigation, weigh-in-motion technology linked to warning signs, as well as reinforced signage.

“The engineers have even looked at the technology some authorities use in bus lanes to warn straying motorists to get out,” he said. “Now we need to weigh up all the options, bearing in mind our stiff budget constraints, to make sure we’re doing what will work to safeguard the bridge.

“Once a preferred option is selected, we’ll need to look at the delivery programme and funding options.”

Longer term, said Mark, the County Council would continue to work with Marlow engineering consultant Robin Atkinson, of Howes Atkinson Crowder, who has created computer model of Marlow Bridge allowing engineers to see how it behaves under certain stress conditions.

“We’d like to test how critical the current weight restriction is, so that we’re able to consider whether or not it’s possible to vary this in the future,” said Mark. “We want to make sure that we don’t put this iconic structure at risk.”

Article author: Paul Merchant

About the author: Founded MyMarlow.co.uk in its original version back in 2000 - yes the internet DID exist back then. Brought up in Marlow, went to school here, now has children at the same schools. Quite clearly loves all things Marlow - hence spending over 2 decades doing this!

Previous article

Marlow community supports ‘Say NO to parking meters in Marlow’ petition

PREVIEW: The Butcher’s Tap opens for business Fri 17th Nov

Next article