Iron Bridge in Exeter to be refurbished

The 190-year-old Iron Bridge in Exeter will be closed for essential maintenance at the start of next year.

The Grade II listed structure needs to undergo structural repairs, drainage improvements, replacement of expansion joints, waterproofing of the bridge deck, resurfacing and upgrades to signs and lighting.

Work is due to start on Monday 13 January 2025, and is expected to take around five months to complete.

While work is carried out, the closure at Iron Bridge will extend from the junction with Dinham Road to Paul Street. This closure will be in effect 24 hours a day, seven days a week until work is complete.

Access to the City Gate Hotel and nearby businesses will be maintained throughout.

During the scheme, work will also be carried out to improve the layout of the one-way system introduced on the bridge in 2021. The south footway will be widened to two metres and a segregated, contraflow cycle lane will be provided for cyclists heading into the city centre.

To ensure drivers comply with the 1.8 metre width restriction and three tonne weight limit, width restriction measures will also be improved.

Councillor Stuart Hughes, Devon County Council Cabinet Member for Highway Management, said: “Water is causing damage to the structure of the Iron Bridge, so it's vital that we remove the existing surface and waterproof the bridge deck. When the bridge was built in 1834 it was designed to enable horse-drawn transport to access the city’s North Gate, not for today’s traffic. We have to ensure that this listed structure is protected from heavy vehicles. The width restriction and weight limit will remain unchanged but the improved narrowing arrangement which will be implemented will ensure better compliance with restrictions.”

Councillor Carol Whitton, Devon County Councillor for St David’s and Haven Banks, said: “The Iron Bridge is a very special structure much loved by people in St David’s. Whilst the planned works will understandably mean inconvenience to local residents for a lengthy period from January next year, the works are absolutely essential to save this fragile structure for the future, and to preserve this important and historic link from the city centre to St David’s Hill.”

While the bridge is closed for the refurbishment work, traffic will be diverted via South Street, Western Way, Paris Street, New North Road, Hele Road and St David’s Hill.

Pedestrians will be advised to use Lower North Street, which runs alongside Iron Bridge. Alternative step-free access is available via Queen Street.

Work will be undertaken by Bridge Civil Engineering Ltd on behalf of Devon County Council.