High-tech solution to repair bashed bridges

The severe disruption caused by bridge bashing could be on the way out, courtesy of a new technique being trialled by the Highways Agency.

The technique, developed by the United States of America's Federal Highways Administration, involves heating damaged steel bridge members up to 600ûC and then allowing them to cool.

A 25-year-old bridge on the M5 in Somerset, which was bashed by a lorry last year causing a 400mm bend in a main supporting beam, is the first outing for the technique in the UK. The trial is being undertaken by term maintenance contractor Raynesway, bridge fabricator Fairfield Mabey and consultant WS Atkins.

If successful, the method will be used on another bashed bridge on the A17 in Lincolnshire.

Highways Agency bridge specialist Martin Lynch said: "Around 10 to 12 motorway and trunk road bridges have been damaged in recent years with repairs often taking many weeks. This technique reduces disruption and saves money as all the repairs can be done quickly on site."

Following the trial, HA will be publishing an advice note on the technique that could also benefit other bridge owners such as local authorities and Railtrack.