Client
Rhondda Cynon Taff County Borough Council
Value
£3.25M
Sectors & Services
Highway Structures Concrete Repair Condition Surveys Corrosion Control ECI (Early Contractor Involvement) Projects Projects
Berw Road Bridge, also known as the White Bridge, is a Grade II* listed reinforced concrete arch bridge located in Pontypridd, Wales. Constructed in 1907 in association with L G Mouchel and Partners, the bridge was a landmark achievement, featuring the longest reinforced concrete arch in Britain at the time, spanning 35 metres across the River Taff.
Over its lifespan, the structure has undergone several interventions, including deck replacement and gunite application in 1968 and further repairs in 2002. In recent years, structural deterioration and extreme weather events highlighted the urgent need for intervention to preserve this historically significant structure and ensure its continued safe use.
Services undertaken
- Structural condition surveys and assessment of gunite
- Development of repair trials and methodology
- Removal of deteriorated gunite
- Concrete repairs to arch ribs and structural elements
- Replacement of gunite to match original appearance
- Reinstatement of reinforcement mesh
- Installation of galvanic anodes for corrosion protection
- Liaison with Cadw to secure Listed Building Consent
- Preparation of Bill of Quantities and repair scope
- Works planning in a flood-risk environment
- Collaboration with client and design team to deliver heritage-led restoration
CRL’s involvement began with a detailed structural evaluation commissioned by Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council to assess the bridge's condition and determine whether its load capacity could be increased. Surveys undertaken in 2020 identified that approximately 60 to 70 percent of the existing gunite layer had delaminated, significantly reducing the effectiveness of previous strengthening works. Structural assessment confirmed that the bridge could only safely carry its original 7.5 tonne load limit, with any increase requiring major structural repairs.
The project was further complicated by severe flooding caused by Storm Ciara and Storm Dennis, which resulted in extensive damage to the south pier foundation and prompted the temporary closure of the bridge. Following scour investigations and remedial works to stabilise the pier, CRL was re-engaged to develop a long-term restoration strategy focused on preservation rather than demolition.
CRL undertook specialist trials to establish the most suitable method for removing the deteriorated gunite. Hydro-demolition was ruled out due to the low strength of the original concrete, and alternative techniques were developed accordingly. Trial repairs revealed areas of underlying spalling that were incorporated into the final repair scope. To meet Cadw requirements, multiple float finishes were trialled to replicate the structure's original appearance. CRL worked closely with the lead engineer and the council to define the scope, prepare a Bill of Quantities, secure Listed Building Consent, and obtain a Flood Risk Activity Permit. The restoration works included concrete repairs, replacement of gunite, reinstatement of reinforcement mesh, and installation of galvanic anodes, culminating in the successful reopening of the bridge in July 2024.
"CRL is proud to be part of the effort to restore this important piece of Welsh engineering history. It’s an honor to contribute to such a vital project, and we’re committed to delivering lasting, positive impact."
Roger Southwell | Contracts Manager | CRL
The restoration of Berw Road Bridge reflects CRL’s ability to balance structural performance with sensitive heritage preservation. Through early engagement, collaborative planning, and carefully selected repair techniques, CRL delivered a solution that extended the bridge’s service life by an estimated 50 to 60 years while maintaining its historic character.
The integration of galvanic anodes, durable concrete repairs, and a new gunite layer provides long-term protection against corrosion and environmental exposure, reducing future maintenance requirements. Delivered in close partnership with Rhondda Cynon Taf County Borough Council, engineers, and Cadw, the project demonstrates CRL’s professional, sustainable approach to asset management and its capability to deliver complex structural repairs safely and efficiently.
