Mellor Spodden Bridges

The two adjacent bridges span Mellor Street where the River Spodden meanders. They were constructed in the early 20^th century, and have had very little repair works over the past hundred years. Following investigations to the underside of the structures it was deemed necessary to carry out significant concrete repair works, as well as installing a waterproof membrane on the surface of the bridges. As the bridge structure was exposed, further areas requiring repair work were uncovered.

The works also involved de-vegetation of the river banks immediately adjacent to the bridges and construction of Gabion Basket retaining walls plus regrading of the river banks adjacent to the bridges.  Upon completion of the works, backfilling, resurfacing and repairs to the adjacent highways were completed.

There were many challenges during the project, including:

• Maintaining access to local businesses and residents during the works
• Temporary scaffold pedestrian bridges
• Traffic management and diversion works
• Temporary works to support several utilities and liaising with service providers for diversion works
• Concrete repair works within the River Spodden, ensuring no contamination entered the water course
• Safe removal and disposal of Japanese Knotweed present on the river banks
• Temporary works within the watercourse involving dams and flumes to divert the flow