WILL Ovingham Bridge ever be truly safe for vehicular traffic again?

After £4.4m was spent on refurbishment, all of which took 18 months, it was finally re-opened on December 3. Then, two days later, the storm came and the torrent of water dissipated by the River Tyne closed the bridge yet again, and damaged the scaffolding surrounding the bridge.

After inspecting a photograph of the storm damage, consulting civil structural and highway engineer John Knapton said (Courant, December 18, 2015): “Fast flowing water can cause scour of the river bed since the water has to accelerate through the bridge because the piers constrict the flow. This can cause undermining of the bridge foundations. If there is scour, I would expect the bridge to remain closed for many months.”

The safety of vehicular traffic is of paramount importance. Together with the ongoing effects of climate change, all indicate that it would be an act of sheer folly to continue repairing a bridge that was built in 1883. A new bridge is called for.

I would suggest that the local MP Guy Opperman has urgent discussions with the appropriate Government Minister to provide funds. I mention that because it would be a brave structural engineer and or local authority who would re-open an 1883 bridge that is no longer fit for purpose.

PETER GALLAGHER

By email