New bridge opens at Exmoor beauty spot after challenging engineering project

Complicated work to replace a 70-year-old bridge at an iconic Exmoor beauty spot has now been completed by Devon County Council.

Martinhoe Bridge near Hunters Inn had to be closed in July 2022 due to serious structural defects and it could no longer be safely used.

A temporary 24-metre steel bridge was installed over the original structure to maintain the vital link in that remote area of North Devon until work could start on a replacement.

READ MORE: Temporary bridge installed at Martinhoe

Work to install the new bridge started in May last year and has taken around 10 months to complete.

The project was not straightforward. Firstly the old bridge had to be demolished and there were several challenges to overcome.

This included working within a river environment with restrictions over the timing of when work could be carried out in the water.

The remote location and limited site access added more complications, with the Trentishoe masonry arch bridge having to be strengthened to enable a 90-tonne crane to be brought to site.

The new bridge is constructed from seven concrete beams supporting a concrete deck, with the bridge abutments supported by vertical reinforced concrete columns (piles) placed in the rock beneath.

Councillor Dan Thomas, Devon County Council’s cabinet member for highways, said: “This is a vital route for local communities, businesses, and tourism, so I’ve no doubt people will be pleased that this new and improved bridge is now in place and open.

“Logistically there have been some complex issues to deal with so thank you to everyone for their patience and co-operation throughout this project.”

Councillor Andrea Davis, the county councillor for Combe Martin Rural, added: “The unexpected closure and replacing of this bridge has taken far longer than any of us expected. The local community and the neighbouring parishes have been very patient and supportive.

“The result of the disruption is we now have a safe, functioning bridge for many decades to come. Everyone working on this scheme has been very helpful and considerate to the issues it has caused, thank you.”

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