Dyer & Butler works to restore historic structure

Dyer & Butler has been working with client, National Highways, to restore a historic bridge in South Devon.

Lustleigh Bridge, one of several bridges maintained by National Highways, was originally part of the former Newton Abbot to Moretonhampsted line.

The bridge had been taken over by nature, with tree roots causing significant damage to the brickwork. Reducing the potential for a future safety risk caused by the weakening of the structure from the tree roots, our team worked to restore the bridge.

Before starting the works, the team undertook local ecology checks, to ensure the local environment would not be impacted.

All roots were removed from the bridge, with treatment applied to prevent future growth. In places where roots were growing into the brick work, the team removed bricks, which were reinstated on a like for like basis, to keep to the structure’s original charm.

With safety at the forefront of everything we do, the works at height were carried out by Industrial Rope Access Trade Association (IRATA) trained operatives, who were secured with rope and harnesses to reduce risk.

Speaking on the project, David Pritchard, Site Manager at Dyer & Butler, said: 

"We look forward to working with National Highways on the next stage of the project, which will see protection work to clean and brighten the bridge take place."