The Victoria Footbridge was built in 1898 to commemorate the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria the previous year. It replaced a ferry, which had operated across the Wye from July 1893.
The bridge was formally opened on 29 September 1898, by Lady Emily Foley, and was then handed over by the Bridge Committee to the citizens of Hereford. The programme of events at the opening ceremony was affected by heavy rain and many were cancelled or postponed. However, some went ahead, including the water polo match, the dinghy race and the egg and spoon race.
Why are the works necessary?
In August 2002 a hole appeared in the bridge deck requiring a temporary closure whilst repairs were made. A detailed inspection and structural assessment was then carried out to determine the condition and strength of the bridge. This found significant corrosion of some structural parts together with general wear and tear. The problems needed to be corrected as soon as practical to ensure the safety of the public but were too extensive to be done as part of routine maintenance.
The Repair and Improvement Works
The works include the following:
* Bridge steelwork grit blasted to remove 13 coats of paint and rust.
* Repairs to the steel and some parts of the bridge strengthened.
* Steelwork painted cream to match its original colour.
* Footway replaced with a wooden deck, again to match the original.
* Handrails and decorative features repaired and the bridge lighting improved.
The Method of Repair
In order to carry out the repair works safely and gain access to all parts of the bridge, a working platform was required. This was installed using a temporary floating pontoon. The working platform and pontoon avoided the use of large cranes in this archaeologically and ecologically sensitive area. Scaffolding erected around the bridge allowed it to be cocooned in sheeting and for the repairs to proceed whilst the local environment was protected.
Timing of the Works
Complexity of the repair work prevented a solution to the bridge deterioration being finished before 2006. However, concerns over its condition stopped postponement to a later date. The potential for high river water levels restrict the work to the “summer period”. Work therefore had to be finished in the summer of 2006 despite other local events taking place such as the Three Choirs Festival and High Town Improvement Works.
Environment and Heritage
The River Wye is designated as both a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) and Special Area of Conservation (SAC) and there are important archaeological sites nearby. The bridge is a Grade II Listed structure reflecting its architectural and historic importance, so the refurbishment works were subject to stringent statutory restrictions. Herefordshire Council, in partnership with its Consultant Owen Williams and Contractor Interserve, has worked closely with the Environment Agency, Natural England and English Heritage to meet these important restrictions and to minimise the impact of the works.