Kexby Old Bridge

Bridge Principal Inspection, Assessment and Strengthening.

Kexby Old Bridge is a three-span masonry arch bridge listed at Grade II* and also a designated ancient monument. The bridge was built in 1650 and until the 1970’s carried the A1079 Hull to York trunk road. We were instructed by East Riding of Yorkshire Council (ERYC) to conduct a Principal Inspection, Assessment and provide effective suggestions for the strengthening of the bridge.

The age and listing of the structure, the presence of roosting bats, protected River Lamprey in the River Derwent and the designation of the surrounding land as a SSSI all complicated the scheme and required us to liaise extensively with Natural England, Historic England and the Environment Agency. Other challenges we faced, included:

• Working over water – Northern Divers provided a pontoon and scaffolding to allow the inspection to be undertaken along with a safety diver for emergencies.
• Working on an unsafe structure – due to the damaged to the underside of the northern arch, the bridge was shut to the public and further inspections and investigations were limited to foot traffic and small hand tools / plant. Monitoring of the structure was undertaken on a regular basis to ensure no further movement occurred.

Mason Clark Associates produced a design which was agreed with all parties and produced all tender documents on behalf of East Riding of Yorkshire Council as well as undertaking Site Supervision and Contract Administration duties during the contract.

• MCA carried out a load capacity assessment and then designed the Phase 1 scheme which will ensure the bridge does not collapse.
• Phase 1 included the design of steel arch rings to stabilise the stonework, which involved detailed discussions and approval from EA and English Heritage.