Strengthening road bridges

The maximum permitted weight of heavy goods vehicles was increased in February 2001 to 44 tonnes. All bridges have had to be assessed to see if they can cope with this increase safely.

Pending strengthening, public safety is maintained on those bridges assessed as weak by using temporary weight restrictions or other measures and restrictions.

Work carried out under the strengthening programme gives priority to road bridges that carry the highest amount of traffic.

For substandard bridges on the non-principal road network, decisions are made whether to permanently weight restrict rather than strengthen.

Each bridge is considered on its merits taking into account safety, economic and environmental factors.

For further information please use the contact details below.

Highways Helpdesk
Bedfordshire County Council
6th Floor
County Hall
Bedford
MK42 9AP

Tel: (01234)  228661
Email: highways@bedscc.gov.uk |