Bridges and Highway Structures

Within the Sheffield Metropolitan District, there are 540 bridges, culverts and subways supporting or crossing the highway.  Sheffield City Council, as the Highway Authority, owns and maintains the majority of these structures.  The remainder are maintained by other organisations such as the Highways Agency (motorways), Network Rail, British Waterways and many other private companies.

 

The Council is also responsible for many kilometres of retaining walls that support the highway.

 

The Council has an ongoing programme of bridge assessment and strengthening on all structures supporting the highway.  This is part of a national initiative to allow the introduction of the new European 40 tonne vehicles.  Priority for strengthening depends on several factors, including safety and route importance.  Until repairs can be carried out, there may be a weight or other restriction applied.  The assessment programme is well advanced and the subsequent bridge strengthening schemes are scheduled for completion by 2010.

 

The Council conducts simple routine inspections of all highway structures on an approximately two-yearly cycle.  Less frequent but more detailed inspections are also carried out, often using special access equipment.  These can also reveal the need for repairs or strengthening.