Sturmer Bridge – Progress update

We have recently reviewed our proposed building solution for Sturmer Bridge in light of our proposed design likely requiring a construction period of around 12 months, which we appreciate would not be welcomed by the community. This timeframe would include a substantial amount of time dedicated to the diversion of utility services, required as part of the project.

As a result we are now taking additional time to explore opportunities that may exist to reduce the construction period, such as using precast concrete elements, before submitting the Approved in Principle document to gain technical approval for the design.

Despite efforts being made in our re-designs to reduce the construction period, the village should still be prepared for a lengthy construction programme involving a road closure. The current ground conditions mean that deep pile foundations are required, which will necessitate careful planning and river management – a lengthy operation in their own right.

We anticipate our Approval in Principle document to be ready for publication and sharing with the Parish Council/Sturmer Flood Action Group during March 2023. Our proposed changes will offer little outward difference in appearance of the new bridge. The geometry of the bridge will be the same and parapets will have a brick appearance.

We have obtained the costs for diverting all service connections that are presently carried by the bridge, which are substantial given the work that will be involved, and likely to increase. These will all require re-routing prior to the work commencing and returning to the bridge once the work is substantially complete. 

We are now planning for this project to be on site during the 2024/25 financial year due to the level of funding required to support the scheme, and time taken to programme the works.

In the meantime, please be assured that we consider the bridge safe for its current use.  We will continue to monitor the bridge as part of our routine inspection programme.