Three of Rochester's iconic bridges are set to benefit from a multi-million pound makeover as part of a major refurbishment project, which will be at absolutely no cost to public taxpayers. FM Conway has been awarded the £8.5 million contract to commence the refurbishment works from Monday, 22nd April. The extensive refurbishment project will see the Old Bridge, New Bridge and the Service Bridge, as well as areas of Rochester and Strood Esplanades owned by the Rochester Bridge Trust, given a complete overhaul. The Old Bridge - © The Rochester Bridge Trust The refurbishment will be carried out in phases, with work starting on the New Bridge first, then the Service Bridge in the middle, and completing those works before a full renovation begins on the historic Old Bridge. The project will end with repairs and a complete refurbishment of Rochester Esplanade from the bridges to the Castle Gate.
Sue Threader, Bridge Clerk at The Rochester Bridge Trust, said: “The Trust regularly carries out routine maintenance work, keeping the bridges clean and making minor repairs. This project is an opportunity to go beyond the day-to-day, tackling larger items before they become problems and generally improving the condition of the bridges for years to come. “FM Conway was selected for this project following a rigorous competitive tendering process. The Trust was impressed by the commitment of the company to delivering high quality work while arranging the works to minimise disruption as far as possible.” This "once in a generation" refurbishment will mark the start of the Trust's wider vision to create an attractive 'Bridge Heritage Quarter'. It is expected that through a major programme of investment in its assets, the Trust will be able to enhance Rochester High Street, complement the major developments at Rochester Riverside and Strood Waterfront, and encourage visitors to explore the history of the bridges and their role in providing passage across the River Medway from medieval times to the modern day. The £8.5 million contract has been let by the Trust to FM Conway Ltd under the new NEC4 Engineering and Construction Contract, and project management will be by the Bridge Engineer to the Trust, Arcadis (UK) Ltd. To stay up-to-date with the Rochester Bridge Refurbishment Project, please visit www.rbt.org.uk/refurbishment/. Comments are closed.
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