The reconstruction and refurbishment of Rochdale town centre bridges

The Rochdale town centre bridges comprise a series of seven bridges joined sideways, carrying part of the town centre road system along and across the River Roch, Most were constructed between 1904 and 1924, in reinforced con crete using the Hennebique system. The bridges featured in the Guinness Boo k of Records as the 'widest bridge in the world'. Following inspection, inv estigation and assessment, resulting weight restrictions were imposed which had serious consequences on Rochdale town centre, A scheme costing pound 3 .4 million to replace, strengthen and refurbish these bridges was prepared and the work undertaken between October 1995 and April 1997, This project w as completed early and within budget. Two bridges were replaced and four we re strengthened and refurbished. The problems encountered are described gro uped under the following headings: (a) working in a busy town centre locati on; (b) structural strengthening, refurbishment and replacement of bridges; and (c) working in and over a volatile Pennine river.