Goldbridge re-opened to all traffic

East Sussex Highways has informed us that the weight restriction on Goldbridge has been lifted and the diversion lifted from today.

"I am writing with an update on Goldbridge. Balfour Beatty and their consultant Balvac have not yet concluded their investigations.

As you are aware, a weight restriction had to be imposed on the bridge due to concerns raised by Jacobs about the bridge stability and strength. The weight restriction was a precautionary step whilst we undertook further investigations and any necessary repairs to the bridge.

Our original intention was to strengthen or “prop” the bridge from its underside, which would have meant the weight restriction could be lifted. However, following extensive site investigations, the Balvac engineers now believe the structure had a more complex design than Jacobs originally thought, with the records from the bridge’s original construction in the 1950s not being wholly accurate. Balvac have now concluded that the structure does not need additional strengthening and that the weight restriction can be removed.

As such, I am pleased to advise the works needed to maintain this bridge can be de-scaled significantly and focus on protecting the sides of the bridges itself to discourage drivers parking there. This will mean installing bollards to both protect the structure and warn drivers of this risk. These works are minimal compared to our original intention.

These works, and the waterproofing works carried out last year mean that we can safely lift the weight restriction, and the road can be used by all traffic.

Of course, a structure of this age will need ongoing maintenance and we will still need to carry out the second phase of our originally planned maintenance. This may well need short term lane closures, but we will advertise this in the usual way.

We truly appreciate the patience of all residents and the local community whilst we undertook these vital investigations and repairs, our records have been updated accordingly so that any future works can be based on accurate information."