Powick Old Bridge, a medieval bridge in the English city of Worcester, is now closed after a part of the bridge collapsed into the River Teme.
Worcestershire County Council reported yesterday that the collapse was likely caused by recent flooding and a buildup of debris. Part of the supporting wingwall fell into the River Teme, resulting in loss of material and support for the main bridge section.
“Our Structural Engineer has been on site with a drone, and together with scans, has gathered some good information to help identify the full extent of the issue,” says Councillor Mike Rouse, Worcestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport. ”Over the next 24 hours, our Diving Team will also be out with SONAR equipment, this will assist us to explore stabilisation options.
“Until we have conducted a full assessment and liaised with Historic England regarding the next steps, we are not yet able to offer a timescale for how long the bridge will remain closed.
“Plans for an alternative route for cyclists and pedestrians are being explored. We recognise that this is a very popular walking and cycling route, but the bridge is just not safe to remain open.”
@worcesternews
Old Powick Bridge has collapsed after last month's flooding. The historic bridge was the site of a famous battle in the English Civil War – but is now closed to pedestrians and cyclists. #Worcester #WorcesterNews #History #Bridge
♬ original sound – Worcester News
Powick Old Bridge is a Grade I Listed structure that was built in 1447 by monks from Malvern Priory. Constructed from brick and stone, it is about 60 metres long and seven metres wide. On 23 September 1642 it was the site of a battle during the English Civil War.
Historic England offers more details about the bridge:
This monument includes a multi-span bridge situated across Langhern Brook and the River Teme, west of its confluence with the River Severn, south of Worcester. The monument survives as a five-span bridge divided into two sections. The bridge is orientated north east to south west with Langhern Brook flowing through the two northern arches and the River Teme passing under the three southern arches. The western side of the bridge abuts a headland between the river and brook.
Images on social media reveal that in the weeks before the collapse, a large amount of debris had piled up next to the bridge.
Top Image: Courtesy Worcestershire County Council
Powick Old Bridge, a medieval bridge in the English city of Worcester, is now closed after a part of the bridge collapsed into the River Teme.
Worcestershire County Council reported yesterday that the collapse was likely caused by recent flooding and a buildup of debris. Part of the supporting wingwall fell into the River Teme, resulting in loss of material and support for the main bridge section.
“Our Structural Engineer has been on site with a drone, and together with scans, has gathered some good information to help identify the full extent of the issue,” says Councillor Mike Rouse, Worcestershire County Council Cabinet Member for Highways and Transport. ”Over the next 24 hours, our Diving Team will also be out with SONAR equipment, this will assist us to explore stabilisation options.
“Until we have conducted a full assessment and liaised with Historic England regarding the next steps, we are not yet able to offer a timescale for how long the bridge will remain closed.
“Plans for an alternative route for cyclists and pedestrians are being explored. We recognise that this is a very popular walking and cycling route, but the bridge is just not safe to remain open.”
Powick Old Bridge is a Grade I Listed structure that was built in 1447 by monks from Malvern Priory. Constructed from brick and stone, it is about 60 metres long and seven metres wide. On 23 September 1642 it was the site of a battle during the English Civil War.
Historic England offers more details about the bridge:
This monument includes a multi-span bridge situated across Langhern Brook and the River Teme, west of its confluence with the River Severn, south of Worcester. The monument survives as a five-span bridge divided into two sections. The bridge is orientated north east to south west with Langhern Brook flowing through the two northern arches and the River Teme passing under the three southern arches. The western side of the bridge abuts a headland between the river and brook.
Images on social media reveal that in the weeks before the collapse, a large amount of debris had piled up next to the bridge.
Top Image: Courtesy Worcestershire County Council
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