Client
Borough of Poole Council
Value
£140k
Sectors & Services
Highway Structures Concrete Repair Bearing Replacement Projects Projects
The Towngate Bridge in Poole serves as a critical transport link through the town centre, supporting both vehicular and pedestrian traffic. Over time, the bridge bearings had suffered significant corrosion, compromising the structural integrity of the bridge.
To maintain safe operation and ensure minimal disruption to the town’s traffic network, Concrete Repairs Ltd (CRL) was commissioned to replace the deteriorated bearings and carry out essential structural repairs.
The project required precise planning, innovative engineering solutions, and careful sequencing to maintain traffic flow while delivering vital repairs to this heavily used asset. The works reinforced the bridge’s long-term operational reliability and addressed safety concerns inherent with ageing infrastructure.
Services Undertaken
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Installation of temporary steel frame to support bridge structure
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Brickwork removal to access bearing areas
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Traffic management during hydraulic jacking operations
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Hydro-demolition beneath existing bearings
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Removal of corroded pot bearings
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Installation and levelling of new pot bearings
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Flowable grout and epoxy bedding application beneath bearings
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Replacement of STU hydraulic unit
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Concrete repairs to abutment structure
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Protective measures for public and structural safety
CRL approached the Towngate Bridge project with a detailed design and Agreement in Principle (AIP), focusing on providing lateral restraint to the abutments. A bespoke steel frame was fabricated and bolted to the abutment walls, clamped around the bridge structure to provide temporary stability. Brickwork masking the existing bearings was removed to allow access, and hydraulic jacks were strategically positioned on either side of each bearing. Night-time traffic closures enabled CRL to lift the bridge safely off the old bearings and lock off the jacks.
Protective barriers were erected around the working area to safeguard both the public and the bridge structure. Hydro-demolition techniques were then employed to remove concrete beneath the existing bearings without damaging surrounding elements. New pot bearings were carefully levelled and fixed using flowable grout, with an additional epoxy bed applied beneath each bearing atop the reinstated concrete shelf.
Alongside the bearing replacement, structural concrete repairs were executed on the abutments, and an STU hydraulic unit was upgraded in line with the new bearings. CRL’s integrated project management and technical expertise ensured works were delivered safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to the critical traffic network.
"The works were necessary to maintain the vital link into Poole. With the bearings corroded and not working, this placed large stresses on the bridge superstructure which could have resulted in the having to close the road."
Steve Jones | Southern Regional Director | CRL
To ensure the Towngate Bridge remains operational and resilient, CRL applied long-term protection measures alongside the bearing replacement. The use of high-quality flowable grout and epoxy bedding provides durable load transfer and prevents future movement-related stresses. Concrete repairs were executed to restore the abutment fabric, enhancing structural integrity and minimising corrosion risk. All work was carried out with careful surface preparation to maximise adhesion and longevity.
These measures collectively reduce ongoing maintenance requirements, improve the bridge’s resilience to environmental exposure, and extend service life. CRL’s experience in structural repairs UK and asset management ensures that every intervention combines immediate repair needs with long-term durability considerations, providing clients with confidence in the longevity of their critical infrastructure.
