Weetwood Bridge stabilisation, UK

This paper describes the design and construction processes involved in the stabilisation of Weetwood Bridge, Wooler, Northumberland. The bridge is a scheduled ancient monument and is located in a setting of high landscape value, especially when seen from the adjacent B6348 road with a back-drop of the Cheviot Hills. The bridge had severe structural problems apparent in the cracking of the arch barrel and tilting of the approach walls. The parameters that affected the design and construction of the stabilisation works are presented together with the issues encountered when working on an ancient monument in a site of special scientific interest with roosting bats present. The expertise of the in-house design team and specialist bridge workers delivered an innovative solution that resulted in the structure being repaired, conserved and subsequently removed from the ‘at risk’ register of English Heritage. The external appearance of the bridge remained unaltered but importantly the scheme took account of the principles of historic conservation in disturbing as little as possible of the historic fabric.