Wansford Bridge and Associated Structures

Overview

Wansford Bridge, a Grade II listed five-span masonry arch structure in East Yorkshire, required strengthening to accommodate 44-tonne vehicles. Alongside it, Main Drain Bridge and Canal Bridge also needed structural improvements. Mason Clark Associates (MCA) provided engineering solutions to enhance load capacity, prevent erosion, and ensure long-term resilience.

Works included mass concrete strengthening, foundation stabilisation, and parapet reinforcement, all within a sensitive ecological and historical environment.

The project improved local transport infrastructure while preserving the heritage and environmental integrity of these key structures.

Challenges and Solutions

The project required careful planning and execution to address several key challenges:

• Wansford Bridge was restricted to 7.5 tonnes, causing detours and structural damage from overweight vehicles.
• Our mass concrete arch strengthening method increased load capacity to 44 tonnes while preserving the historic masonry.
• Main Drain Bridge foundations had suffered washout, requiring a sheet pile abutment solution to protect the sensitive watercourse.
• Canal Bridge’s parapets were substandard, requiring hydro-demolition and reinforcement to meet modern safety standards.
• Road closures needed a phased construction approach to reduce disruption, balancing engineering, conservation, and community needs.

MCA's Contribution

We played a key role in the design, conservation, and structural strengthening of all three bridges. Our contributions included:

Structural engineering and conservation:

• Designed mass concrete strengthening for Wansford Bridge, increasing load capacity.
• Developed a sheet pile abutment solution for Main Drain Bridge, preventing future erosion.
• Engineered reinforced parapets at Canal Bridge, meeting modern safety standards.

Environmental and heritage protection:

• 3D laser scanning of historic masonry ensured heritage preservation.
• Used low-carbon concrete with GGBS to reduce environmental impact.

Project management and coordination:

• Minimised road closure impact through phased scheduling.
• Worked closely with conservation authorities and environmental agencies.

Results

Completed in September 2024, the project delivered safer and more resilient transport links.

Wansford Bridge and the adjacent structures now support 44-tonne vehicles, reducing detours for local businesses and farmers. The new sheet pile abutments at Main Drain Bridge provide long-term flood resilience, and Canal Bridge’s reinforced parapets improve road safety.

Environmental measures ensured zero contamination of the SSSI-protected West Beck.

The phased construction approach minimised disruption, and historic masonry was preserved, making this project a successful blend of engineering, conservation, and community benefit.