Shrewsbury bridge repairs fear after £500,000 work
A bridge into Shrewsbury's Quarry that underwent a £575,000 refurbishment less than two years ago may require further repairs, it has been revealed.
The Porthill footbridge underwent an extensive structural rebuild in 2012 and was closed for several months.
But now more work could need to be carried out after a member of the public reported surface damage to Shropshire Council.
Grit which had been glued to the surface of the bridge has been reported as coming loose with the boards beneath reportedly now showing through.
Investigations will now take place on whether further repairs are needed – with taxpayers required to foot any further bill.
Claire Wild, who is Shropshire Council's cabinet member for highways said: "A member of the public has reported that some of the grit glued to the surface of Porthill Bridge appears to have come loose.
"We've asked our consultants Mouchel to take a look in the next few days – something that should only take a few minutes – and then let us know if any repair work is needed.
"Any repair work would be paid for by the council as the contractor who refurbished the bridge in 2012 was only required to maintain their work for a period of a year.
"At the end of that period, the bridge was inspected by Mouchel and was found to be in good condition."
When Porthill bridge was originally closed for the rebuilding work between March and July 2012, the scheme included repainting and grit blasting, repairs to structural steel work and the replacement of the timber deck. The public had to reach the other side of the river via a special ferry service.
The bridge was reopened a week ahead of schedule.
The structure was completely encased in complex scaffolding as the work was carried out.
Telford-based company McPhillips was only required to maintain the condition of the bridge for one year after the work was completed and will not meet the cost of any further repairs.
An inspection after 12 months of reopening by consultancy firm Mouchel found the bridge was in good condition.
The bridge was constructed in 1922 an cost £2,600. It was opened in 1923.
Before that a ferry was used to cross the Severn and when the ferry service returned in 2012 it was run by local firm Sabrina Boats between the Quarry and Porthill.
People were charged 50p per time for the short boat ride.
It ran from a jetty close to the bridge to another one at the bottom of the Boathouse Inn public house and attracted hundreds of users.
