Bridge in Exeter closed for refurbishment until summer 2025

The historic Iron Bridge in Exeter has officially closed for refurbishment, with work expected to last until June 2025. 

Devon County Council announced the closure on their social media platform, X, highlighting the extensive work that will be undertaken to preserve the Grade II listed structure.

Built in 1834, the Iron Bridge is a significant part of Exeter's architectural heritage, featuring six spans made of cast iron arches. 

Originally designed to accommodate horse-drawn transport accessing the city's North Gate, the bridge is now in urgent need of repairs due to various defects, including drainage problems, damage to the cast iron members, and surfacing issues.

Additionally, overweight and wide vehicles have posed a persistent challenge despite existing restrictions. 

Temporary concrete blocks were installed to limit this issue, but they remain a temporary solution as the bridge's structural integrity is at risk from such vehicles.

The refurbishment project, carried out by Bridge Civil Engineering Ltd on behalf of Devon County Council, will focus on multiple essential tasks:

• Structural repairs to reinforce the integrity of the bridge.
• Waterproofing the bridge deck to prevent further water damage.
• Highway drainage improvements to address long-standing drainage problems.
• Upgrades to signs and lighting for better safety and visibility.
• Resurfacing to correct surface defects.
• Installation of new expansion joints to accommodate movement.
• Layout improvements to enhance traffic flow and pedestrian access.
• Relocation of utilities to support future bridge functionality.
• Waterproofing is a critical part of the project to stop water from seeping into the structure and causing further degradation. 
• To install the new waterproofing system, existing surfacing and footways will be removed.

The closure of Iron Bridge is set to last throughout the refurbishment period, from January 13, 2025, to June 2025.

The bridge will be closed to all traffic, including pedestrians, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. 

The section of the bridge between Dinham Road and Paul Street will be affected by this closure.

Access to businesses, including the City Gate Hotel and surrounding properties, will remain open throughout the works.

However, public permit parking spaces located under the bridge on Lower North Street will be closed, and permit holders will need to find alternative parking arrangements.

During the closure, traffic will be diverted via South Street, B3212 Western Way, Paris Street, New North Road, B3183 Hele Road, and St Davids Hill. Pedestrians are advised to use Lower North Street, which runs parallel to Iron Bridge. 

For step-free access, Queen Street will provide an alternative route.

While no work will take place on weekends, the closure and restrictions will remain in place throughout. 

orking hours are expected to run from 7am to 7pm on weekdays, with noise and dust control measures implemented to minimise disruption. 

However, some noise from construction activities is unavoidable.

Iron Bridge's structural assessment has confirmed that it is only suitable for vehicles weighing up to 3 tonnes. 

The bridge is also restricted to vehicles no wider than 1.8 meters.

These limits are being maintained to protect the fragile structure from potential damage. Due to the bridge's cast iron design and Grade II listing, it is not feasible to increase these restrictions.

After the completion of the current refurbishment, a full repainting of Iron Bridge will take place in 2 to 5 years. 

The repainting project is designed to maintain the bridge’s aesthetic appeal and preserve its durability, following the removal of the existing paint and application of a new system. 

This repainting is not part of the current refurbishment to ensure that all structural issues are addressed first.

The refurbishment of Iron Bridge is an essential project to ensure that this historic landmark remains safe and accessible for years to come. 

Drivers and pedestrians are urged to follow signage and be aware of potential changes during the ongoing works.