Client
RJ McLeod Ltd
Value
172 K
Sectors & Services
Highway Structures Heritage & Listed Concrete Repair Coatings Corrosion Control Steel Frame Cathodic Protection Projects Projects
Belper Bridge, a Grade II listed triple-arched ashlar structure built in 1796 by Benjamin Marshall, spans the River Derwent in Derbyshire, carrying the A517 just below a series of weirs, retaining walls, and sluices.
As a key historic asset, the bridge required refurbishment to safeguard its heritage significance and structural integrity. CRL undertook a ten-week project to address the effects of age, environmental exposure, and daily traffic loading.
The works were designed to preserve the original fabric while ensuring long-term resilience, combining specialist heritage restoration practices with modern engineering techniques. This intervention was essential for both public safety and the continued functionality of a vital transport link.
Services undertaken
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Repainting of parapets, guard rails, and cantilevered footway beams
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Waterproofing of footways using the Bridge Master system
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Masonry re-pointing with heritage-approved mortar
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Minor concrete repairs
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Mechanical preparation and full coating system to steel elements
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Footway membrane removal and application of anti-carbonation coatings
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Carriageway planing, resurfacing, and line marking reinstatement
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Traffic and pedestrian management, including temporary closures
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Installation of pontoons, scaffold staircase, and aluminium access towers
The refurbishment programme involved a comprehensive range of structural and aesthetic repairs. All steel elements, including parapets, barrier guard rails, and cantilevered footway beams, underwent mechanical preparation followed by priming, undercoating, and application of a durable topcoat to prevent corrosion. Footways were stripped of old membranes and treated with the Stirling Lloyd Bridge Master waterproofing system, then finished with anti-carbonation coatings to enhance durability and protect the underlying concrete. Masonry re-pointing was carried out using heritage-approved mortar to ensure compatibility with the original ashlar. Minor concrete repairs were undertaken to address surface deterioration, while carriageway planing, bond coat application, new asphalt laying, and line marking reinstatement restored safe vehicular access.
Working over a live river introduced significant logistical challenges, necessitating phased operations to maintain water flow. Access was facilitated through pontoons, a scaffold staircase capable of adjusting with river levels, and aluminium scaffold towers for steel repairs. Traffic and pedestrian management, including temporary closures, ensured safety for both workers and the public. Throughout, CRL coordinated closely with the heritage society, local stakeholders, and the client, balancing conservation requirements with operational efficiency. This meticulous approach reflects CRL’s expertise in combining structural repairs UK with heritage-sensitive engineering practices.
"Restoring the historic Belper Bridge was a privilege. Our team delivered specialist heritage works safely and efficiently, overcoming challenges of working over a live river. Finishing ahead of schedule, we’re proud to have preserved this iconic landmark for future generations, blending engineering skill with heritage care."
Kevin Gough (Jnr) | Contracts Manager | CRL
Long-term preservation measures were integral to the project, ensuring Belper Bridge remains resilient for decades. Protective coatings on steel elements provide robust corrosion resistance, while footway membranes and anti-carbonation treatments enhance concrete durability.
Regular maintenance requirements are reduced through the use of durable materials and specialist application techniques. Structural repairs were undertaken with careful attention to surface preparation and bonding to maximise adhesion and performance.
By integrating modern waterproofing systems with heritage-sensitive repairs, the project extends the bridge’s service life, mitigates environmental impact, and preserves its aesthetic and historical significance. These measures collectively support asset management objectives and provide enduring protection against deterioration.
the repair
