Specialist main contractor – Concrete Repairs Ltd (CRL), contracted by Hampshire County Council, began the first phase of the £1.2m project in March 2002 and expects to complete the entire project in August this year. The refurbishment work was split into two phases at the specific request of ‘English Nature’ in order to avoid disturbing the region’s overwintering waders and wildfowl. During 2002, CRL successfully completed works on the west side of the bridge with the east side being the area of concentration in the current year.

The multi-disciplined contract involves civils, lighting and electrical works. CRL is widening the existing footways, from 1.5 metres to 2 metres making it possible to accommodate adjacent pedestrians and cycle lanes and constructing two observation decks on both sides of the structure. New parapet-railings are also being installed both sides at a height of 1.4 metres to meet the latest safety regulations and additional lighting is being installed to improve night-time visibility. Below the deck, carbon fibre reinforcement plate strengthening is being carried out to enable the bridge to accommodate the 40-tonne vehicles now sanctioned on Britain’s road network.

Because of the busy nature of the thoroughfare, CRL is only allowed to work on some phases of the works between 8pm and 7am, when single lane traffic is in operation. At all other times unrestricted two-way traffic must be maintained, plus at least one footway. At weekends, no work is allowed at all after 2pm on the Saturday.

Work during 2002 caused very little disruption. CRL’s Contract Manager, Neil Farley, commented “We understood the apprehension of people living on the island as to the effect the works would have on their daily travel arrangements, but we have maintained a good relationship with everyone that uses the bridge and kept inconvenience to a minimum”.