Restoration- Stone praised for swift completion of North Yorkshire bridge works
Stone Technical Services has been praised for its efficient completion of repair and restoration work on Sutton Bridge in North Yorkshire, which re-opened on Friday 23rd July following weeks of repairs.
The long-awaited repairs to the bridge, which links the towns of Elvington in North Yorkshire and Sutton-on-Derwent in East Riding, had to be completed during a 21-day bridge closure period to minimise disruption for local people.
The Grade II listed bridge was damaged during the winter months following a road accident and, at the time, Stone Technical Services carried out emergency repairs to make the bridge safe. However, the bridge also required general restoration and refurbishment of its damaged structure so Stone was given the 21 day period at the end of June and into July to complete the project, which proved controversial in the local area as the bridge closure affected many local businesses in the two small towns.
The project at Sutton Bridge was carried out manually, due to its delicate structure, by Stone’s CSCS (Construction Skills Certification Scheme) heritage masons with the mainstay of the repair and restoration project involving the erection of a making safe stage to make the bridge structure safe to work on and also the installation of public safety barriers.
And, as structural integrity was paramount for Sutton Bridge, specialist stainless steel ties had to be installed to offer long-term protection from the severe conditions often faced by the Grade II- listed bridge.
Stone Technical Services worked alongside East Riding Council, structural engineers Mason Clark from Leeds, York-based historic architects Ferrey and Mennim and Morrison Construction.
During the work, specific periods of time were set aside for pedestrians to freely cross the bridge on foot and, during the middle of the day, a free shuttle bus was provided between the two village halls.
Arrangements were also put in place to allow a number of charity cycle rides and races over the bridge to go ahead as long as the council had advanced warning of their arrival.
Stone Technical Services’ 26-strong team, based at its headquarters on Kellaw Road in Darlington and also at its offices in Pinner, Middlesex, specialises in all aspects of high level maintenance, lightning conductor installation and steeplejack services as well as restoration and masonry refurbishment projects on churches, museums, clock towers, castles, spires and historic buildings.
The company works across the UK on a variety of high profile buildings such as Westminster Abbey and the Royal Courts of Justice in London and for organisations such as English Heritage and the National Trust.
Speaking about the recent work, managing director, Dave Stone said, “Sutton Bridge was a very sensitive project as it affected so many local people and businesses. Efficiency and safety were paramount so, working with the other partners on the project, we had to make sure the work was carried out sensitively and delivered on time which, we’re pleased to say, happened and the bridge has now been restored to its former Grade II glory.”
Councillor Matthew Grove, portfolio holder for highways and emergency planning at East Riding of Yorkshire Council, said: “While the council had no choice but to close the bridge to carry out repairs after the crash in January, we also had a great deal of sympathy for members of he local community who were affected by the bridge being closed.
“We have worked closely with the local parish councils throughout this process and arranged the work to keep the closure as brief as possible. I am sure everyone will be pleased to see that the bridge is now due to open again.”
