Rochester bridge refurbishment lecture 1

Free talk on the Rochester Bridge Refurbishment Project

A free talk is being held to update the public and explain some of the engineering involved in the Rochester Bridge Refurbishment Project.

Presented by Bridge Clerk Sue Threader, Rochester Bridge Refurbishment Project – The Story So Far, will explain more about the project which will bring the structures into the best possible condition for the future.

Sue explained: “Since the refurbishment began, we have done our best to keep the public as informed as possible about the works but we are aware that some people are really interested in more detail. This lecture will pass behind the encapsulation to reveal the works under, over and inside the three bridges, explaining why this project is important, what it aims to achieve and how things are progressing.

“There have been some high profile bridge collapses in recent years, notably in Genoa and the USA, which have reinforced the need to maintain our critical structures to a safe and serviceable standard. We are keen to explain to local people what goes in to looking after such substantial estuary crossings.”

The Rochester Bridge Refurbishment Project is a scheme to refurbish the three bridges owned by the Trust: the Old Bridge, the New Bridge and the Service Bridge. The works have been programmed to minimise disruption to the public as far as possible, while ensuring safety for the public and workers.

Sue added: “We have planned the project so that the work takes place on one section of the carriageway at a time, keeping as much of the road open to bridge users for as long as we can while doing the work safely and to a high quality.

“This means the overall project timetable is longer than it would be if we had allowed the contractor to use more extended closures. This is an unusual way to run a bridge refurbishment contract but one which puts minimising the impact on bridge users first, I will explain more about the approach in my talk.”

Aimed at a general audience, no prior engineering knowledge will be needed for attendees. Sue will be particularly happy to welcome any young people who may be considering a career in engineering.

This free Rochester Bridge Trust Lecture will take place on Thursday, 26th March, at St Andrew’s House, Rochester. Free refreshments will be offered from 6pm, with the talk starting promptly at 6.30pm.

While the talk is free, places must be booked; please email Sue O’Reilly at sue@maxim-pr.co.uk or call her on 01892 513033.

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